-NRLF 


SB    141 


=J 

I 


INTERIOR     OF     WESTMINSTER     ABBEY- 


A.,  v  *;»•»*«, 

FOR  BIBLE  CLASS  AND  FAMILY   INSTRUCTION. 


THE 


WESTMINSTER 
SHORTER    CATECHISM, 


ANALYSIS,  SCRIPTURAL  PROOFS,   EXPLANATORY 

AND   PRACTICAL   INFERENCES,   AND 

ILLUSTRATIVE   ANECDOTES, 


REV.   JAMES'  E.    BCYD, 

AUTHOR  OF  "  ELEMENTS  OF  RHETORIC,''!  ilJD*"*;eij&:a4t^MOll>I<'P 
EDITOR  OF  "  ENGLISH  POETS,  WITH  NOTES,"  ETC. 


SECOND    EDITION. 

NEW   YORK: 
PUBLISHED    BY    M.    W.    DODD 

BRICK  CHURCH   CHAPEL,    CITY  HALL   SQUARE. 
1856. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1854, 

BY    M.    W.    D  ODD, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  tho  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


0 


STEREOTYPED  Bt 

THOMAS  B.  SMITH, 
216  William  St,  N.  Y. 


TO  A  GREAT  ADMIRER 
OP  THE  WESTMINSTER  SHORTER  CATECHISM, 

THE  WIFE  OP  A  BELOVED  AND  VENERATED  PASTOB 
OF  MY  EARLY  YEARS, 

£!)fs   afttle  Volume, 

UNDERTAKEN  AT   HER  EARNEST   REQUEST, 

FOR  THE   BENEFIT   OF 

THE    YOUTH    OF    CHRISTIAN    CONGREGATIONS, 
IS  MOST  AFFECTIONATELY  AND   GRATEFULLY 

INSCRIBED; 

WITH  THE  PLEASING  HOPE 
THAT    IT  MAY    GAIN    HER    APPROVAL, 

AS  TO  ITS  PLAN  AND  EXECUTION, 

ANE   SERVE   THE  IMPORTANT  PURPOSE 

ABOVE  SUGGESTED. 


INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 


THE  Westminster  Shorter  Catechism  has  now 
fairly  entered  upon  its  Third  Century  of  existence 
and  of  usefulness ;  and,  like  the  writings  of  Shak- 
speare  and  Milton,  composed  not  far  from  the 
same  period,  remarkably  retains  its  high  and  de- 
served reputation,  amidst  the  ever-flowing  and 
overflowing  issues  of  the  press.  Many  excellent 
works  have  at  different  times  appeared,  in  explana- 
tion and  amplification  of  this  admirable  compend 
of  Christian  doctrine.  Some  of  these  have  been 
consulted,  and  others  largely  used,  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  the  work  now  submitted, — particularly 
those  of  Vincent  and  Paterson;  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Green's  Lectures,  and  the  works  of  Doolittle  and 
Watson  have  been  occasionally  referred  to.  All 
these  publications  have  their  respective  merits  and 
appropriate  fields  of  usefulness ;  yet  it  is  supposed, 
that  neither  they  nor  others  in  common  use,  super- 
sede the  experiment  of  presenting  the  Catechism  in 
still  another  form,  somewhat  original,  and  with 
some  accompaniments  that  may  render  the  system- 


VI  INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS. 

atic  study  of  divine  truth  more  attractive  and 
useful  than  heretofore,  to  the  youth  connected  with 
Christian  congregations. 

PECULIARITIES    OF    THE    PRESENT    WORK. 

With  this  view  the  Answers  of  the  Shorter 
Catechism  are,  for  the  most  part,  presented,  by 
way  of  inference,  in  other  words,  more  plain  and 
less  technical — conveying  the  same  truth,  but  in 
modern  and  easy  style  of  speech,  so  that  the  sub- 
ject may  be  readily  and  agreeably  laid  hold  of,  and 
understood,  before  an  attempt  is  made  to  commit 
to  memory  the  concise,  condensed,  and  theological 
forms  of  thought  presented  in  those  Answers. 

In  the  Second  place,  the  doctrinal  instructions  of 
the  original  answers  are  analysed  and  presented  in 
a  distinct  and  separate  form,  and  are  supported  by 
appropriate  passages  of  Scripture,  which  may 
easily  and  profitably  be  committed  to  memory. 
The  study  of  this  portion  will  show  that  the  Cate- 
chism is  not  a  mere  human  composition,  not  "a 
cunningly -de  vised  fable,"  but  that  it  derives  its 
being,  its  vitality,  its  beauty,  its  grandeur,  its  high 
authority,  from  the  very  words  of  Divine  inspira- 
tion. 

In  the  Third  place,  it  seemed  desirable  to  turn 
the  doctrinal  instructions  of  the  Catechism  to  a 
practical  account ;  to  make  them  instrumental  in 
rousing  the  conscience,  and  impressing  the  heart, 
and  influencing  the  every-day  life  of  the  student. 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS.  Vll 

For  this  purpose  I  have  represented  him  as  draw- 
ing for  himself,  from  the  Answers,  Practical  Les- 
sons for  the  guidance  of  his  own  future  conduct, 
and  the  control  of  his  own  mind  and  heart.  The 
Catechism,  thus  enlarged,  and  carried  out  into  a 
form  personally  and  practically  useful,  loses  its  ab- 
stract, and  much  of  its  repulsive  aspect ;  and,  when 
committed  to  memory,  under  such  advantages, 
cannot  fail  to  exert  a  more  valuable  influence,  not 
only  intellectual,  but  moral  and  practical,  even 
upon  comparatively  young  minds. 

In  the  Fourth  place,  from  the  field  of  Christian 
aud  General  Biography,  have  been  selected  many 
useful,  impressive,  and  entertaining  Anecdotes,  which 
serve  to  throw  light,  and  to  spread  no  small  de- 
gree of  attractiveness,  around  each  successive  doc- 
trine and  duty,  and  also  to  impress  them  more 
vividly  upon  the  understanding  and  upon  the  heart. 
These  illustrative  Anecdotes  may  be  regarded  as  a 
delightful  commentary,  furnished  by  Divine  Provi- 
dence, for  leading  the  popular,  as  well  as  the  youth- 
ful mind,  into  a  larger  knowledge,  appreciation,  and 
love  of  the  sublime  doctrines  and  holy  precepts  of 
the  Christian  Faith. 

In  these  various  methods  have  I  sought  to  allure 
my  young  readers,  and  perhaps  others  beyond  the 
period  of  youth,  to  study  this  good  old  Catechism, 
and  to  examine  and  draw  out,  as  for  themselves, 
the  rich  treasures  of  divine  wisdom  and  counsel 
and  saving  influences,  which  they  will  find  embodied 


Vlll  INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS. 

and  consolidated  in  its  compact,  scholar-like,  en- 
during, and  noble  structure. 


ORIGIN    OF    THE    SHORTER    CATECHISM. 

It  may  serve  to  excite  a  deeper  interest  in  this 
theological  composition  itself,  to  be  informed  that 
it  was  produced  and  published  under  the  sanction 
of  an  assembly,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty-one  divines,  and  thirty  laymen  from  Eng- 
land, and  of  five  commissioners  from  Scotland, 
convened  in  1643,  by  order  of  the  British  Parlia- 
ment, in  a  part  of  the  celebrated  Westminster 
Abbey.  This  assembly  embraced,  as  will  not  be 
denied,  some  of  the  most  godly  and  learned  men 
that  ever  adorned  the  British  empire.  Richard 
Baxter,  from  personal  acquaintance  with  the  greater 
part  of  them,  avows  that  the  Christian  world,  since 
the  days  of  the  Apostles,  never  had  a  Synod  of 
more  excellent  divines.  In  the  striking  language 
which  he  employs  : — "  The  divines  there  congre- 
gated, were  men  of  eminent  learning,  godliness, 
ministerial  abilities,  fidelity  ;  and  being  not  worthy 
to  be  one  of  them  myself,  I  may  the  more  freely 
speak  the  truth,  even  in  the  face  of  malice  and 
envy,  that  as  far  as  I  am  able  to  judge,  by  the 
information  of  all  history  of  that  kind,  and  by  any 
other  evidence  left  us,  the  Christian  world,  since 
the  days  of  the  Apostles,  had  never  a  synod  of 
more  excellent  divines  than  this  and  the  Synod  of 


INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS.  IX 

Dort."  It  is  remarkable  that  this  assembly  was 
engaged  for  more  than  five  years  and  a  half  in  pre- 
paring a  Form  of  Church  Government,  and  sum- 
maries of  religious  doctrine  and  practice  for  Eng- 
land and  Scotland.  "It  was  felt,"  says  Dr.  Bel- 
frage,  "  by  the  leading  men  in  the  struggle  with 
superstition  and  arbitrary  power,  in  the  seventeenth 
century,  that  a  scheme  of  doctrine,  church  govern- 
ment and  worship,  pure  and  scriptural,  would  be  a 
most  excellent  means  of  establishing  the  rights  for 
which  they  were  contending,  and  forming  the 
virtues  by  which  freedom  is  blest.  It  was  with 
this  view  that  the  Westminster  Assembly  was 
convened ;  and  that  its  proceedings  were  honored 
with  the  countenance  of  the  first  and  best  man  in 
the  land — the  first  in  influence,  and  the  best  in  true 
worth."  While  the  Confession  of  faith  was  still 
under  discussion,  able  committees  were  appointed 
to  present  its  substance  in  the  form  of  the  Larger 
and  Shorter  Catechism,  which,  after  careful  examin- 
ation, received  the  solemn  sanction  of  the  Assem- 
bly. In  the  latter  part  of  1647,  they  were  pre- 
sented for  approval  to  the  House  of  Commons,  and 
adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church 
of  Scotland,  in  1648.  They  were  not  adopted  by 
the  ecclesiastical  authorities  in  England.  These 
documents,  with  slight  emendations  in  the  Confess- 
ion of  Faith  and  Larger  Catechism,  relative  to 
civil  government,  were  adopted  by  the  Presby- 
terian Church  in  this  country,  as  standards  of  doc- 


X  INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS. 

trine  and  church  government  and  discipline,  in  the 
city  of  Philadelphia,  in  May  1788. 

TESTIMONIES  TO  THE  UNRIVALLED  EXCELLENCE  OF 
THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM,  AND  THE  ADVANTAGES 
OF  AN  EARLY  STUDY  OF  IT. 

The  above  historical  sketch  will  prepare  us  to 
assent  to  the  high  but  deserved  eulogium,  which 
the  Rev.  DR.  HUMPHREY  (in  his  work  on  Domestic 
Education)  has  pronounced  in  the  following  terms : 
— "  In  calling  the  particular  attention  of  heads  of 
families  to  that  admirable  compendium  of  Chris- 
tian doctrine,  the  Westminster  Shorter  Catechism, 
I  do  not  mean  to  speak  disparagingly  of  the  Cate- 
chisms of  those  evangelical  Christians,  who  dissent 
from  some  of  its  statements ;  but  only  to  express 
my  own  admiration  of  it,  as  the  most  lucid, 
guarded,  and  comprehensive  epitome  of  Bible 
truth  which  I  have  ever  seen  ;  and  as,  in  my  judg- 
ment, the  best  family  manual  that  the  wisdom  and 
piety  of  any  body  of  uninspired  men  has  ever  yet 
given  to  the  church.  And  however  the  advocates 
of  other  creeds  may  diner  from  me  in  opinion,  I 
cannot  well  see  how  any  of  the  enlightened  mem- 
bers of  that  very  large  body  of  Christians,  Presby- 
terian and  Congregational,  who  embrace  the  West- 
minster Confession  of  Faith,  can  dissent." 

I  cannot  forbear  to  add,  in  conclusion,  the 
equally  valuable  testimony  of  the  late  venerable 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS.  XI 

and  reverend  DR.  ASHBEL  GREEN,  who,  in  his  In- 
troductory Lecture,  thus  speaks  of  the  advantages 
to  be  derived  from  an  early  and  thorough  study  of 
the  Shorter  Catechism  : — "  The  catechetical  or  ques- 
tionary  form  of  religious  summaries,  renders  them 
most  easy  and  interesting  to  children  and  youth, 
and,  indeed,  to  Christians  of  all  ages  and  descrip- 
tions. For  myself,  I  have  no  reluctance  to  state 
here  publicly,  what  I  have  frequently  mentioned  in 
private,  that  in  the  composition  of  sermons  one  of 
the  readiest  and  best  aids  I  have  ever  found,  has 
been  my  Catechism.  Let  me  add,  further,  that 
long  observation  has  satisfied  me,  that  a  principal 
reason  why  instruction  and  exhortation  from  the 
pulpit  are  so  little  efficacious,  is,  that  they  presup- 
pose a  degree  of  information,  or  an  acquaintance 
with  the  truths  and  doctrines  of  divine  revelation, 
which,  by  a  great  part  of  the  hearers,  is  not  pos- 
sessed ;  and  which  would  best  of  all  have  been 
supplied  by  catechetical  instruction.  It  is  exactly 
this  kind  of  instruction  which  is  at  the  present  time 
most  urgently  needed,  in  many,  peinaps  in  most, 
of  our  congregations.  It  is  needed  to  imbue  effect- 
ually the  minds  of  our  people  with  "  the  first  prin- 
ciples of  the  oracles  of  God ;"  to  indoctrinate  them 
soundly  and  systematically  in  revealed  truth  ;  and 
thus  to  guard  them  against  being  "  carried  about 
with  every  wind  of  doctrine ;"  as  well  as  to  qualify 
them  to  join  in  the  weekly  service  of  the  sanctuary 
with  full  understanding,  and  with  minds  in  all  re- 


Xll  INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS. 

spects  prepared  for  the  right  and  deep  impression 
of  what  they  hear." 

THE   WESTMINSTER    CATECHISM. THE    FIRST    UNION 

QUESTION   BOOK. 

It  is  deserving  of  remark,  that  the  authors  of  this 
compend  consisted  of  various  denominations,  not 
only  Presbyterians  and  Congregationalists,  but 
Episcopalians  and  Erastians  also.  The  West- 
minster Assembly  (as  the  Puritan  Recorder  ob- 
serves)  gave  the  world  the  first  example  of  a 
union  of  different  denominations  in  an  effort  to 
produce  a  Question  Book,  approved  ly  them  all, 
for  the  religious  instruction  of  children  and  youth  ; 
and  so  singularly  successful  was  their  endeavor, 
that  after  the  lapse  of  more  than  two  centuries,  no 
compend  of  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  Christianity 
can  be  found,  better  adapted  to  str~  igthen  the 
minds  of  the  young,  to  teach  them  the  truth  as  it  is 
in  Jesus,  to  preserve  them  from  error,  and  to  make 
them  wise  unto  salvation. 

The  Shorter  Catechism  was  not  an  abridgment 
of  the  Larger  :  the  latter  was  an  expansion  of  the 
former.  Both  were  prepared  under  the  influ- 
ence of  that  impression  which  each  member  had 
taken  at  the  outset  of  his  labors :  "  I  do  sincerely 
and  solemnly  protest,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  that  in  the  Assembly,  of  which  I  am  a  mem- 
ber, I  will  not  maintain  anything  in  matters  of  doc- 
trine, but  what  I  think  in  my  conscience  to  be 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS.  Xlil 

truth ;  or  in  point  of  discipline,  but  what  I  consider 
to  conduce  most  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  to  the 
good  and  peace  of  the  church." 

Such  men  deserve  our  confidence,  and  their 
arduous  labors  have  been  duly  appreciated  by 
multitudes  of  the  wise  and  good.  The  Puritan  Re- 
corder remarks  that  this  little  manual  has  undoubt- 
edly contributed  more  than  any  other  book,  except 
the  Bible,  to  the  religious  intelligence  and  piety  of 
the  children  and  descendants  of  the  Puritans.  The 
same  may  be  affirmed  of  all  the  families  in  Britain 
and  America,  in  which  the  Shorter  Catechism  has 
been  faithfully  used. 


ANALYSIS 


S  H  O  R,T  E  R  .  C  A-ER  x  8  M. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION. 

THE  chief  design  of  man's  being  created,  p.  19. 
The  Scriptures  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  duty,  22. 
The  two  principal  topics  treated  of  in  Scripture,  and  ex- 
plained in  the  Two  Divisions  of  the  Catechism,  25. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 
What  we  are  to  believe  concerning  God. 

CHAP.  I. 

Concerning  God  considered  in  himself. 
I.  Concerning  the  Nature  and  Perfections  of  God,  27. 
II.  -  the  Oneness  of  God,  30. 
III.  --  the  Trinity  and  Unity  of  the  Godhead,  31. 

CHAP.  II. 

Concerning  God's  Doings  with  respect  to  his  Creatures. 
I.  Concerning  the  Nature  and  Character  of  God's  decrees, 

36. 

II.  --  the  Execution  of  God's  decrees,  38. 
L  In  Creation. 

[1.]  In  the  Creation  of  the  world,  39. 
[2.]  In  the  Creation  of  man,  41. 
n.  In  Providence. 

[1.]  In  God's  General  Providence.      Its  nature 
and  character,  43. 


16          .  ANALYSIS   OF   THE 

[2.]  In  God's  Special  Providence  towards  man, 
— first  in  his  creation  and  fall, — and  then  in 
the  plan  of  redemption,  4-6. 

SECT.  1.     Concerning  the  Execution  of  God's  Decrees,  in 
his  Special  Providence  towards  MaA  in  Ids  Creation  and 
Fall 
(1.)  Concerritg  the  covenant  bf  Works,  its  parties  and 

terms,  46. 
(2.)  — -—--'r  Man^  disobedience  and  fall  by  sin,  47. 

1.  The  nature  of  sin  in  general,  48. 

2.  The  nature  of  Adam's  sin  in  particular,  50. 
(3.)  the  extent  of  the  fall,  51. 

(4.)  the  consequences  of  the  fall,  53. 

1.  The  sinfulncss  of  man's  estate  by  the  fall,  54. 

2.  The  misery  of  man's  estate  by  the  fall,  56. 

SECT.  II.     Concerning  the  Execution  of  God's  Decrees,  in 

his  Special  Providence  towards  Man  in  Redemption. 
[1.]  The  PLAN  of  redemption  by  a  Redeemer,  60. 

(1.)  The  Redeemer's  person  and  character,  63. 

(2.)  His  assumption  of  human  nature,  66. 

(3.)  His  offices  as  a  Redeemer,  67. 

1.  His  office  of  a  prophet,  69. 

2.  His  office  of  a  priest,  71. 

3.  His  office  of  a  king,  73. 

(4.)  The  states  in  which  these  offices  are  executed. 

1.  His  state  of  Humiliation,  75. 

2.  His  state  of  Exaltation,  78. 
[2.]  The  APPLICATION  of  redemption. 

(1.)  The  Agent  by  whom  redemption  is  applied,  80. 
(2.)  The  means  used  for  its  application  in  effectual 

calling,  82. 
(3.)  The  manner  and  order  of  applying  redemption 

in  effectual  calling,  88. 
[3.]  The  BENEFITS  of  redemption. 

(1.)  The  benefits  of  redemption  in  this  life,  86. 


SHORTER    CATECHISM.  17 

1.  Justification,  88. 

2.  Adoption,  91. 

3.  Sanctification,  92. 

4.  Additional  benefits  of  redemption,  96. 
(2.)  The  benefits  of  redemption  at  death,  99. 

(3.)  The  benefits  of  redemption  at  the  resurrection, 
102. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Of  the  Duty  which  God  requires  of  Man. 

INTRODUCTION. 

Of  the  nature  of  man's  duty  in  general,  p.  105. 
CHAP.  I. 

Of  the  Moral  Law,  binding  on  all  Rational  Creatures,  as 
summed  up  in  the  Ten  Commandments,  107. 

INTRODUCTION. 

The  sum  of  the  ten  commandments,  108. 
The  Preface  to  the  ten  commandments,  113. 

The  COMMANDMENTS  divided  into  two  tables. 

THE  FIRST  TABLE. 
Containing  the  Duties  which  we  owe  to  God. 

1.  The  first  commandment,  116. 

2.  The  second  commandment,  125. 

3.  The  third  commandment,  137. 

4.  The  fourth  commandment,  144. 

THE  SECOND  TABLE. 
Containing  the  Duties  which  we  owe  to  Man. 

1.  The  fifth  commandment,  159. 

2.  The  sixth  commandment,  169. 

3.  The  seventh  commandment,  174. 

4.  The  eighth  commandment,  177. 

5.  The  ninth  commandment,  181. 

6.  The  tenth  commandment,  187. 


18    ANALYSIS  OF  THE  SHORTER  CATECHISM. 

CHAP.  II. 

Of  the  special  Duties  which  God  requires  from  Man  undet 
the  Gospel  Dispensation. 

INTRODUCTION. 

Inability  of  man  to  keep  the  law,  193. 
Different  degrees  of  guilt  in  breaking  the  law,  19Y. 
The  deserts  of  every  breach  of  the  law,  199. 

SECTION  I. 
Of  Faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  202. 

SECTION  II. 
Of  Repentance  unto  Life,  205. 

SECTION  III. 

Of  Diligent  Use  of  the  Means  of  Grace,  209. 
I.  Of  the  Word  of  God  as  a  means  of  grace. 

[1.]  Of  the  effects  of  the  Word  of  God,  212. 
[2.]  Of  the  proper  use  of  the  Word  of  God,  215. 
II.  Of  the  use  of  the  Sacraments  as  a  means  of  grace. 
[1.]  Of  the  efficacy  of  the  Sacraments,  218. 
[2.]  Of  the  nature  of  the  Sacraments,  221. 
[3.]  Of  the  New  Testament  Sacraments,  223. 
(1.)  Of  Baptism. 

1.  Of  the  nature  and  use  of  Baptism,  224. 

2.  Of  the  subjects  of  Baptism,  227. 
(2.)  Of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

1.  The  nature  and  use  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
234. 

2.  The  proper  observance  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, 235. 

ttl.  Of  Prayer  as  a  means  of  grace. 

[1.]  Of  the  nature  of  prayer,  238. 
[2.]   Rule    of   direction  as  given  in  the    Lord's 
Prayer,  241. 

(1.)  The  Preface  to  the  lord's  Prayer,  242. 
(2.)  The  Petitions  in  the  Lord's  Prayer,  245. 


GENERAL  INTRODUCTION, 

SHOWING  THE  PRINCIPAL  END  OF  MAN?S  CREATION  ; 
THE  RULE  BY  WHICH  MAN  MAY  ATTAIN  TO  THAT 
END;  AND  THE  TWO  PRINCIPAL  TOPICS  TREATED 
OP  IN  SCRIPTURE. 


Q.  1.  WHAT  is  THE  CHIEF  END  OP  MAN  ? 
Man's  chief  end  is   to  glorify  God,  and  enjoy 
him  for  ever. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  chief  design  of  Man's  creation,  in  reference  to  God, 
was  actively  to  spread  abroad  his  glory. — 1 .  Cor.  x.  3 1 .   Wheth- 
er therefore  ye  eat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all 
to  the  glory  of  God. 

2.  The  chief  design  of  Man's  creation,  in  reference  to  him- 
self, was  the  enjoyment  of  God. — Deut  xii.  18.     Thou  shalt 
rejoice  before  the  Lord  thy  God  in  all  that  thou  puttest 
thine  hands  unto. 

8.  The  foundation  and  end  of  every  duty,  should  be  the 
glory  of  God. — Rom.  xiv.  8.  Whether  we  live,  we  live 
unto  the  Lord ;  and  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the 
Lord:  whether  we  live  therefore,  or  die,  we  are  the 
Lord's. 

4.  All  happiness  here  and  hereafter  must  be  derived  from 
the  enjoyment  of  God. — Psal.  Ixxiii.  25,  26.  Whom  have  I 
in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I 
desire  besides  thee.  My  flesh  and  my  heart  faileth :  but 
God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart*  and  my  portion  for 


20  DESIGN    OF    MAN  S    CREATION". 

From  the  above  Truths  what  Lessons  do  you  draw  t 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  must  make  it  my  daily  aim  to  honor 
God  and  to  secure  his  favor,  and  to  seek  my  chief  happi- 
ness in  so  doing.  (2.)  That  my  greatest  happiness  is  not 
to  be  found  in  this  world,  but  in  the  everlasting  ages  of 
the  next.  (3.)  That  I  have  no  right  to  make  the  gaining 
of  worldly  goods  my  chief  desire  and  labor.  (4.)  That 
most  men  mistake  the  true  business  and  proper  use  of  this 
short  life,  since  they  take  no  proper  pains  to  honor  God 
or  to  secure  his  favor.  (5.)  It  must  be  a  sad  and  fearful 
event  to  die  before  one  has  begun  to  live  for  God  and  for 
eternity. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  President  Humphrey  says: — "For  myself,  though  I 
confess  with  shame,  that  when  my  mother  used  to  give 
me  my  little  task,  and  teach  me  The  chief  end  of  man,  I 
would  gladly  have  been  excused  from  both,  and  wondered 
what  good  thing  they  could  ever  do  me ;  I  subsequently 
found  abundant    cause    to  be  thankful  for  her  fidelity 
and  perseverance.     I  was  astonished  when  I  began  to 
read  the  Bible  seriously,  and  to  collect  and  arrange  its 
doctrines,  to  find  what  a  fund  of  definitions  and  import- 
ant scriptural  truths  I  had  got  treasured  up  for  the  oc- 
casion.    This,  I  doubt  not,  accords  with  the  experience 
of  thousands,  who,  like  myself,  once  loathed  the  Assem- 
bly's Catechism.     And  how  delightful  it  is  to  hear,  as  we 
sometimes  do,  the  aged  disciple,  just  on  the  verge  of 
heaven,  repeating,  with  thrilling  interest,  and  feasting 
his  soul  upon   the   definitions  of  justification,  adoption, 
sanctiftcation,  and  the  like,  which,  three  quarters  of  a 
century  before,  were  imprinted  indelibly  upon  his  memory 
in  the  nursery !" 

2.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Payson,  after  months  of  severe  suffer- 
ing on  a  sick  bed,  remarked  : — "  God  has  been  cutting  off 


DESIGN    OF   MAN'S    CREATION.  21 

one  source  of  enjoyment  after  another,  till  I  find  that  I 
can  do  without  them  all,  and  yet  enjoy  more  happiness 
than  ever  in  my  life  before.  There  can  be  no  such  thing 
as  disappointment  to  me,  for  I  have  no  desire  but  that 
God's  will  may  be  accomplished." 

3.  "Two  things,"  (said  the  late  Rev.  Samuel  Pierce,) 
"  are  causes  of  daily  astonishment  to  me : — The  readiness 
of  Christ  to  come  from  heaven  to  earth  for  me ;  and  my 
backwardness  to  rise  from  earth  to  heaven  with  him. 
But,  oh !    how   animating  the    prospect !     A  time    ap- 
proaches when  Christians  shall  rise  to  sink  no  more:  to 
*  be  forever  with  the  Lord.'    To  be  with  the  Lord  for  a 
week,  for  a  day,  for  an  hour ;  how  sweetly  must  the  mo- 
ments pass!     But  to  be  forever  with  the  Lord, — that  en- 
stamps  salvation  with  perfection  ;  that  gives  an  energy  to 
our  hopes,  and  a  dignity  to  our  joy,  so  as  to  render  it  un 
speakable  and  full  of  glory !" 

He  also  said : — "  It  has  pleased  God  lately  to  teach  me 
more  than  ever  that  HIMSELF  is  the  fountain  of  happiness; 
that  likeness  to  him,  friendship  for  him,  and  communion 
with  him,  form  the  basis  of  all  true  enjoyment.  The  very 
disposition  which,  blessed  be  my  dear  Redeemer !  he  has 
given  me,  to  be  anything,  do  anything,  or  endure  any- 
thing, so  that  his  name  might  be  glorified, — I  say,  the 
disposition  itself  is  heaven  begun  below." 

4.  Lady  Glenorchy,  of  Edinburgh,  offering  one  day  to 
read  to  her  minister,  (then  upon  his  death-bed,)  a  passage 
in  one  of  Hill's  Sermons,  he  said : — "  0,  no  ;    read  the 
Bible ;  all  other  writings  are  insipid  to  me — they  are  the 
words  of  men,  and  some  of  them  are  good ;  but  the  words 
of  God  are  my  delight.     One  promise  gives  me  more  com- 
fort than  all  the  writings  of   men.     I  have  no  relish  for 
any  book  or  conversation  that  does  not  bring  them  to 
my  remembrance." 


22          THE    DIVINE    RULE    OF    FAITH    AND    DUTY. 

Q.  2.  WHAT  RULE  HATH  GOD  GIVEN  TO  DIRECT  us  HOW  w» 

MAT  GLORIFY  AND  ENJOY  HIM  ? 

The  Word  of  God,  which  is  contained  in  the 
Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  is  the 
only  rule  to  direct  us  how  we  may  glorify  and  en- 
joy him. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  A  rule  of  faith  and  duty  was  necessary  for  man. — Jer. 
x.  23.     The  way  of  man  is  not  in  himself:  it  is  not  in 
man  that  walketh  to  direct  his  steps. 

2.  The  Bible,  though  written  by  meny  is  the  word  of  God. — 
2  Pet.  i.  21.     For  the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by 
the  will  of  man  :  but  holy  men  of  God  spake  as  they  were 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

3.  The  Old  Testament  Scriptures  are  the  word  of  God. — 
Rom.  iii.  2.     Unto  them  were  committed  the  oracles  of 
God. 

4.  The  New  Testament  Scriptures  are  the  word  of  God. — 
1  Thess.  ii.  13.     When  ye  received  the  word  of  God  which 
ye  heard  of  us,  ye  received  it  not  as  the  word  of  men, 
but  (as  it  is  in  truth)  the  word  of  God. 

5.  The  Bible  is  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  duty. — Isa.  viii. 
20.     To  the  law  and  to  the  testimony :  if  they  speak  not 
according  to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in 
them. 

6.  The  Bible  is  a  complete  and  sufficient  rule  of  faith  and 
duty. — Psal.  xix.  7.  The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  con- 
verting the  s&jil :  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure,  mak- 
ing wise  the  simple. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  Bible  is  of  more  value,  and 
of  greater  excellence,  than  all  other  books.  It  has  God 
for  its  author ;  it  teaches  things  the  most  important  to 
Him  and  to  me :  it  may  safely  be  relied  upon.  I  could 
not  do  without  it,  for  it  shows  me  the  only  true  method 


THE   DIVINE   RUI^  OF   FAITH   AND    DUTY.         23 

of  honoring  God  and  of  becoming  happy  in  his  fa- 
vor. (2.)  When  I  read  it,  therefore,  I  nmst  bear  in 
mind  that  God  is  therein  speaking  to  me,  and  ex- 
pects me  to  give  my  best  regard  and  obedience  to  what 
he  teaches  and  enjoins.  (8.)  That  the  Apocrypha,  though 
it  contains  some  very  good  things,  is  a  merely  human 
composition,  and  is  not  to  he  regarded  or  obeyed  as  of 
divine  authority.  (4.)  That  the  pretended  revelations  of 
Mohammed,  Mormon,  and  others,  are  to  he  rejected  as  im- 
postures. (5.)  That  the  entire  Bible  should  be  read; 
should  be  translated  into  every  language,  and  sent  to 
every  family  on  earth.  (6.)  I  have  read  the  Bible  almost 
in  vain,  if  I  have  not  been  so  impressed  by  it,  as  to  have 
formed  the  habit  of  properly  honoring  God,  and  of  seek- 
ing my  chief  happiness  in  his  favor. 

THE     BIBLE. 

**  Most  wondrous  book !  bright  candle  of  the  Lord ! 
Star  of  eternity!  the  only  sta* 
By  which  the  bark  of  man  could  navigate 
The  sea  of  life,  and  gain  the  coast  of  bliss." — POLLOK. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1,  THE  GOLD  MINE. — A  certain  Spaniard  had  a  gold  mine 
of  very  great  value ;  but,  instead  of  working  it  in  a  proper 
manner,  he  contented  himself  with  digging  over  the  sur- 
face and  removing  a  little  of  the  earth,  but  never  went 
half  deep  enough  to  get  the  gold ;  so  that,  although  he 
was  the  owner  of  a  mine,  he  lived  and  died  poor,  never 
having  got  so  much  from  his  mine  as  to  keep  him  from 
poverty. 

Now,  the  Bible  is  more  valuable  than  a  gold  mine ;  and 
the  truth  it  contains,  that  "  God  so  loved  the  world  that 
he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth 
in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life,"  (John, 
iii.  6)  is  more  precious  than  the  choicest  gold.  If,  then, 


24         THE   DIVINE   RULE    OF   FAITH   AND   DUTY. 

we  go  deep  enough  into  our  Bibles,  to  discover  the 
Saviour  for  sinners,  and  to  acknowledge,  trust  in,  and 
love  him  as  our  Saviour,  happy  are  we ;  but  if  we  rest 
contented  in  reading  the  Bible  without  discovering,  and 
thus  acting  upon  this  truth,  we  shall  get  no  more  profit 
from  the  Bible  than  the  Spaniard  got  from  his  gold  mine. 

2.  "Men  are  Atheistical,  because  they  are  first  vicious; 
and  question  the  truth  of  Christianity,  because  they  hate 
the  practice  of  it." — South. 

3.  THE  SCRIPTURES  AT  THE  HERVEY  ISLANDS. — For  some 
years  English  missionaries  had  labored  there,  and  with 
great  success.     The  noble  work  of  translating  the  entire 
Bible  into  the  native  language  has  just  been  accomplished. 
These  Bibles  were  printed  in  England,  and  for  a  long  time 
the  natives  had  been  anticipating  the  arrival  of  the  ship 
John  Williams,  bringing  them  this  greatly-desired  treas- 
ure.     Their  joy    was    unbounded    when    she    arrived. 
Every  able-bodied  church  member  at  once  engaged  in 
transporting  the  cases  of  books  from  the  seaside  to  the 
Mission  House. 

These  simple-minded  natives,  with  their  own  earnings, 
have  now  furnished  themselves  with  this  inestimable 
treasure. 

At  a  public  meeting,  held  in  commemoration  of  the 
arrival  of  the  finished  Scriptures,  one  of  the  natives 
said : — 

"  Let  us  read  the  whole  book.  Let  us  go  to  the  mission- 
ary by  day  and  by  night,  and  inquire  into  the  meaning 
of  the  new  parts  which  we  have  not  read.  Let  us  be  at 
his  door  when  he  rises.  Let  us  stop  him  when  we  meet 
him,  that  he  may  tell  us  of  these  new  books."  And  he 
added,  with  the  excited  energy  of  a  feeble  old  man,  "  My 
brethren  and  sisters,  this  is  my  resolve.  The  dust  shall 
never  cover  my  new  Bible ;  the  moths  shall  never  eat  it ; 
the  mildew  shall  never  rot  it.  My  light  and  my  joy  I" 


THE    PRINCIPAL    TOPICS    OF    SCRIPTURE.  25 

Q.  3.  WHAT  DO  THE  SCRIPTURES  PRINCIPALLY  TEACH  ? 

The  Scriptures  principally  teach  what  man  is  to 
believe  concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God  re 
quires  of  man. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  answer  ? 

1.  The  Scriptures  teach  us  other  things  besides  the  knowl- 
edge of  God,  and  the  duty  and  happiness  of  man. — Matt. 
xiii.  23.     Wo  unto  you,  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites ! 
for  ye  pay  tithe  of  mint,   and  anise,    and  cuminin,   and. 
have  omitted  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law,  judgment, 
mercy,  and  faith :  these  ought  ye  to  have  done,  and  not 
to  leave  the  other  undone. 

2.  The  Bible  teaches  what  we  are  to  believe  about  God. — 
Deut.  xxxi.  12.    That  they  may  learn,  and  fear  the  Lord 
your  God,  and  observe  to  do  all  the  words  of  this  law. 

3.  The  Bible  teaches  us  what  is  our  duty  to  God  and  man. 
— Luke,  x.  25,  26.     And,  behold,  a  certain  lawyer  stood 
up,  and  tempted  him,  saying,  Master,  what  shall  I  do  to 
inherit  eternal  life  ?     He  said  unto  him,.  What  is  written 
in  the  law  ?     How  readest  thoii  ? 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  most  important  things  taught  in: 
the  Bible  are — what  God  is,  has  done,  and  will  do ;  and 
also,  what  he  has  commanded  man  to  do  and  to  be.  (2.) 
That  in  reading  the  Bible,,  these  subjects  claim  my  chief 
attention  and  regard.  (3.)  I  must  gain  the  best  knowl- 
edge I  can  of  God  and  of  my  duty,  with  a  view  to  serve 
Him  and  to  secure  my  own  everlasting  happiness. 

What  Illustration  can  you  relate  ? 

1  I  adopt  it,"  (says  the  late  Professor  B.  B.  Edwards,) 
"  as  my  settled  resolution,  that  THE  BIBLE  is  my  book,  and 
that  I  will  never  let  any  other  book  take  that  place  in  my 
affections  which  the  Bible  ought  to  have.  I  will  read  it 
twice  a  day  dcvotionally." 

3 


26  THE    PRINCIPAL   TOPICS    OF    SCRIPTURE. 

2.  PUNGENT  REPLY. — To  a  young  infidel,  who  scoffed  at 
Christianity,  on  account  of  the  misconduct  of  some  of  its 
professors,  Dr.  Mason  said,  "  Did  you  ever  know  an  up- 
roar made  because  an  infidel  went  astray  from  the  paths 
of  morality  ?"    The  infidel  admitted  he  had  not.     "  Then," 
said  the  Doctor,   "don't  you   see  that  you  admit  that 
Christianity  is  a  holy  religion,  by  expecting  its  professors 
to  be  holy;  and  that  thus,  by  your  very  objection,  you 
pay  it  the  highest  compliment  in  your  power?" 

3.  CLEMENTINE  CUVIER. — This  lovely  young  Christian  once 
said  to  a  friend : — "  I  experience  a  pleasure  in  reading  the 
Bible,  which  I  have  never  felt  before;  it  attracts  and 
fixes  me  to  an  inconceivable  degree,  and  I  seek  sincerely 
there,  and  only  there,  the  truth.     When  I  compare  the 
calm  and  the  peace  which  the   smallest  grain  of  faith 
gives  to  the  soul,  with  all  that  the  world  alone  can  give 
of  joy,  or  happiness,  or  glory,  I  feel  that  the  least  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  is  a  hundred  times  more  blessed  than 
the  greatest  and  most  elevated  of  the  men  of  the  world." 
And  yet  she  lived  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  comforts 
and  luxuries  of  life — was  beloved,  caressed,  and  flattered. 

4.  How  TO  READ  THE  SCRIPTURES. — The  Rev.  R.  McCheyne, 
in  writing  to  a  young  boy  of  his  parish,  who  had  just  left 
his  father's  roof,  says : — "  You  read  your  Bible  regularly, 
of  course  ;  but  do  try  and  understand  it ;  and  still  more, 
to  feel  it.     Read  more  parts  than  one  at  a  time.     For  ex- 
ample, if  you  are  reading  Genesis,  read  a  Psalm  also ;  or 
if  you  are  reading  Matthew,  read  a  small  bit  of  an  Epistle 
also.     Turn  the  Bible  into  prayer.     Thus,  if  you  love  read- 
ing the  first  Psalm,  spread  the  Bible  on  the  chair  before 
you,  and  kneel  and  pray.     '  O  Lord,  give  me  the  blessed- 
ness of  the  man/  <fec.     '  Let  me  not  stand,'  <fcc.    This  is 
the  best  way  of  knowing  the  meaning  of  the  Bible  and 
of  learning  to  pray." 


FIRST    DIVISION. 

WHAT  WE  ARE  TO  BELIEVE  CONCERNING  GOD 


CHAPTER  I. 

CONCERNING    GOD    CONSIDERED    IN    HIMSELF. 

I. — The  nature  and  perfections  of  God. 

Q.  4.  WHAT  is  GOD  ? 

God  is  a  Spirit,  infinite,  eternal,  and  unchange- 
able, in  his  being,  wisdom,  power,  holiness,  justice, 
goodness,  and  truth. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  is  a  Spirit. — John,  iv.  24.     God  is  a  Spirit :  and 
they  that  worship  him,  must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in 
truth. 

2.  God  is  infinite  in  his  being  and  perfections. — Job,  xi. 
7.     Canst  thou  by  searching  find  out  God?  canst  thou 
find  out  the  Almighty  unto  perfection? 

3.  God  is  eternal  in  his  being  and  perfections. — Psal.  xc. 
2.     From  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou  art  God. 

4.  God  is  unchangeable  in  his  being  and  perfections.— 
Mai  iii.  6.     I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not. 

5.  God  is  infinitely  wise. — Psal.  cxlvii.  5.     His  under- 
standing is  infinite. 

6.  God  is  infinitely  powerful. — Job,   xlii.  2.     I  knov 
that  thou  canst  do  everything. 


28    THE  NATURE  AND  PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD. 

7.  God  is  infinitely  holy. — Rev.  xv.  4.     Thou  only  art 
holy. 

8.  God  is  infinitely  just. — Zeph.  iii.  5.     The  just  Lord  is 
In  the  midst  thereof;'  he  will  not  do  iniquity. 

9.  God  is  infinitely  good  and  merciful. — Exod.  xxxiv.  6. 
The  Lord,  the  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long- 
suffering,  and  abundant  in  goodnes  and  truth. 

10.  God  is  infinite  in  trutJi. — Deut.  xxxii.  4.     A  God  of 
truth,  and  without  iniquity ;  just  and  right  is  he. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  there  is  a  God — a  Supreme  Being. 
(2.)  That  God  has  not  a  body,  as  man  has,  neither  can  I 
see  Him.  (3.)  That  in  the  largest  measure  he  always 
was,  and  ever  will  be,  a  Being  who  knows  all  things,  and 
how  to  act  for  the  best ;  a  Being  who  is  able  to  do  all  that 
he  judges  it  best  to  do ;  a  Being  who  has  no  sinful  or  im 
proper  thoughts  or  feelings,  and  is  opposed  to  all  such; 
Being  who  wrongs  none  of  his  creatures,  but  is  ever  en 
gaged  in  bestowing  undeserved  favors  ;  and  a  Being  wh<$ 
always  declares  what  is  true,  and  most  strongly  hates 
what  is  false.  Hence  I  learn, — That  such  a  Being  is  alto- 
gether worthy  of  my  highest  respect,  adoration,  and  love 
and  that  to  secure  his  friendship  and  love  must  contrib- 
ute more  to  my  happiness  than  anything  else  I  can  ac- 
quire. (4.)  That  the  knowledge  of  God  will  avail  me  but 
little,  if  he  be  not  my  God :  if  I  have  not  his  wisdom  to 
teach  me,  his  holiness  to  sanctify  me,  his  Spirit  to  comfort 
me,  his  mercy  to  save  me.  (5.)  Hence  I  must  choose 
Him  for  my  portion  and  my  happiness,  before  all 
other  beings  or  things,  and  give  myself,  soul  and  body, 
wholly  to  Him,  to  be  used  in  his  service,  and  to  promote 
his  glory.  (6.)  As  God  is  an  infinitely  intelligent  spirit, 
I  must  give  him  the  worship  of  my  mind  and  heart. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  In  one  of  the  earliest  meetings  of  the  Committee  ap 
pointed  to  prepare  the  Shorter  Catechism,  the  subject  of 


THE  NATURE  AND  PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD.    29 

deliberation  was  to  frame  an  answer  to  the  question, 
"  What  is  God?"  Each  man  felt  the  unapproachable 
sublimity  of  the  divine  idea  suggested  by  these  words ; 
but  who  could  venture  to  give  it  expression  in  human 
language  I  All  shrunk  from  the  too  sacred  task  in  awe- 
struck reverential  fear.  At  length  it  was  resolved,  as  an 
expression  of  the  Committee's  deep  humility,  that  the 
youngest  member  should  first  make  the  attempt.  He 
consented;  but  begged  that  the  brethren  would  first 
unite  with  him  in  prayer  for  divine  enlightenment.  Then, 
in  slow  and  solemn  accents,  he  thus  began  his  prayer : — 
"  0  God,  Thou  art  a  Spirit,  infinite,  eternal,  and  un- 
changeable, in  thy  being,  wisdom,  power,  holiness,  justice, 
goodness,  and  truth."  When  he  ceased,  the  first  sentence 
of  his  prayer  was  immediately  written  down  and  adopted, 
as  the  most  perfect  answer  that  could  be  conceived ;  as, 
indeed,  in  a  very  sacred  sense,  God's  own  answer,  de- 
scriptive of  Himself.  The  youngest  member  of  that  Com- 
mittee was  George  Gillespie — the  man,  therefore,  who 
was  thus  guided  to  frame  this  marvellous  answer. — 
[Presbyterian's  Armory,  Vol.  1,  p.  28.] 

2.  Simonides,  a  heathen  poet,  was  asked  by  Hiero,  king 
of  ancient  Syracuse,  What  is  God?  but  after  many  days 
of  anxious  investigation  of  the  question,  he  was  unable 
to  give  a  more  satisfactory  answer  than  this : — "  The  more 
I  think  of  God,  he  is  still  the  more  dark  and  unknown  to 
me." 

3.  A  dignified  clergyman  once  asked  a  little  boy  of  an 
acute  mind,  "  Where  God  was  ?"  promising  an  orange  upon 
getting  a  reply.     "Tell  me,"  answered  the  boy,  "  where 
he  is  not,  and  I  will  give  you  two  ?" 

4.  A  visitor  at  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum,  in  Paris, 
having  proposed  to  the  pupils  the  question,   "What  is 
Eternity  ?"  received  from  one  of  them  the  beautiful  reply 
— "  It  is  the  life-time  of  the  Almighty." 

3* 


30  THE    UNITY    OF    GOD. 

II. — The  Oneness  of  God. 
Q.  6.  ARE  THERE  MORE  GODS  THAN  ONE  ? 
There  is  but  one  only,  the  living  and  true  God. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  1 

1.  There  is  but  one    God. — 1    Cor.   viii.  4.     There  is 
none  other  God  but  one. 

2.  God  is  the  only  living  and  true  God. — Jer.  x.  10.  But 
the  Lord  is  the  true  God,  he  is  the  living  God,  and  an 
everlasting  King. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  God  is  altogether  unlike  the  things 
•which,  the  heathen  call  gods,  and  which  they  worship : 
those  gods  are  many,  and  are  destitute  of  life ;  He  is 
alone  as  God,  and  not  only  lives,  and  always  has  lived, 
but  He  also  gave  life  to  all  things  that  have  it.  (2.)  I  dis- 
cover that  the  heathen  .ire  to  be  greatly  pitied  for  their 
stupidity  as  to  the  worship  of  God,  and  need  to  have  the 
Bible,  to  teach  them  that  there  is  but  one  God,  and  he  a 
living  One.  (3.)  That  there  is  great  occasion  for  earnest 
prayer  in  their  behalf,  at  the  Monthly  Concert,  and  at 
other  times.  (4.)  That  I  am  unspeakably  indebted  to 
the  grace  of  God,  in  casting  my  lot  among  those  who 
have  the  Bible,  by  which  I  have  been  raised  above  the 
•darkness,  and  sottishness,  and  debasement,  and  perils,  of 
Heathenism. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  A  Hindoo  child,  about  eight  years  old,  who  had  been 
instructed  in  the  Christian  religion,  was  ridiculed  on  that 
account,  by  some  of  his  heathen  acquaintances,  older  than 
himself.  In  reply,  he  informed  them  what  he  had  learned 
concerning  God.  "Show  us  your  God!"  said  they.  "I 
•cannot  do  that,"  answered  the  child,  "  but  I  can  soon 


THE    TRINITY.  31 

show  you  yours."  Upon  which,  taking  up  a  stone,  and 
daubing  it  with  some  resemblance  of  a  human  face,  he 
placed  it  very  gravely  upon  the  ground,  "  There,"  said  he, 
"  is  such  a  God  as  you  worship." 

2.  The  Rev.  Pliny  Fisk,  previous  to  going  out  as  a 
Missionary  to  Palestine,  thus  examined  his  own  heart : — 
"Do  I  believe  there  is  a  God?  My  understanding  assents 
to  the  evidence  of  his  existence ;  but  with  my  heart  and 
soul  do  I  believe,  that  there  is  one  Supreme  Being  who 
created,  who  upholds,  and  who  governs  all  things?  I 
think  I  am  not  deceived  when  I  answer,  Yes.  Much  of 
the  time  during  the  past  eight  years  I  have  had  a  very 
different  sense  of  Divine  existence,  from  what  I  formerly 
had.  I  now  think  of  God  as  a  Being,  of  whose  existence 
I  feel  as  well  assured  as  of  my  own.  I  think  of  Him  as 
the  Governor  of  the  universe,  and  I  realize  a  calm  and 
secret  confidence  in  his  government.  I  never  confided 
so  implicitly  in  my  best  friend,  as  I  sometimes  am  en- 
abled to  confide  in  God.  He  is  my  Supporter  in  trouble ; 
my  Light  in  darkness  ;  my  Guide  in  doubt ;  my  Refuge 
in  danger ;  my  Benefactor ;  my  All.  This  evening  I  feel 
a  sweet  peace  in  my  soul,  while  I  commit  whatever  re- 
spects my  education,  character,  health,  life,  usefulness, 
and  salvation,  to  the  hands  of  God.  I  can  place  un- 
bounded confidence  in  his  government,  and  leave  all  to 
his  disposal." 

III. — The  Trinity  and  unity  of  the  Godhead. 

Q.    6.    HOW  MANY  PERSONS  ARE  THERE  IN  THE  GODHEAD  ? 

There  are  three  persons  in  the  Godhead,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  .and  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  these 
three  are  one  God,  the  same  in  substance,  equal  in 
power  and  glory. 


32  THE    TRINITY. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  There  are  three  persons  in  the  Godhead. — 1  John,  v.  7. 
For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father, 
the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost. 

2.  The  Father  is  God. — John,  i.  18.     No  man  hath  seen 
God  at  any  time;  the  only  begotten  son,  which  is  in  the 
bosom  of  the  Father,  he  hath  declared  him. 

3.  The  Son  is  God. — ffeb.  i.  8.     But  unto  the  Son,   he 
saith,  Thy  throne,  0  God,  is  for  ever  and  ever. 

4.  The  Holy  Ghost  is  God. — Acts,   v.  4.      (Compared 
with  ver.  3.)     Thou  hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto 
God. 

5.  The  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  are  but  one  God. — 
Deut.  vi.  4.     Hear,  O  Israel ;  the  Lord  our  God  is  one 
Lord. 

6.  The  Father,  Son,   and  Holy  Ghost,    though   distinct 
persons,  are  the  same  in  substance. — 1  John,  v.  7.     These 
three  are  one. 

7.  The  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  are  equal  in  power. 
— John,  v.  21.     As  the  Father  raiseth  up  the  dead,  and 
quickeneth  them ;  even  so  the  Son  quickeneth  whom  he 
will. 

8.  The  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  are  equal  in  glory. 
— Matt,  xxviii.  19.     Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  na- 
tions, baptising  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  To  think  of  the  Godhead  as  embracing 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit,  each  having  the  same 
power,  excellence,  dignity,  and  essence,  and  entitled, 
therefore,  to  the  same  reverence  and  worship  as  God. 
They  are  so  united  as  to  form  but  one  being,  yet  the 
Father  is  God,  the  Son  is  God,  the  Holy  Spirit  is  God.  In 
one  sense  they  are  three ;  in  another,  and  different  sense, 
they  are  one.  "  They  are  one  in  respect  to  the  divine 
nature ;  while  they  are  three  in  respect  of  their  mutual 
and  necessary  relations  to  each  other,  and  their  relations 
to  men  as  elected,  redeemed,  and  sanctified.  The  word 
God  is  not  applied  to  three  separate  beings,  but  to  a  being 


THE    TRINITY.  33 

which  is  essentially  one,  so  that  each  person  is  God,  and 
all  three  are  but  one  God."  Hence  the  term  Trinity, 
which  means  Three  in  One ;  and  the  word  Person  is  not 
here  to  be  understood  in  its  ordinary  sense,  as  we  apply  it 
to  one  another.  (2.)That  in  my  worship  I  may  address  either 
the  Father,  or  the  Son,  or  the  Holy  Spirit,  according  to 
the  parts  which  these  severally  perform  in  relation  to  the 
salvation  of  man  ;  but  the  more  regular  method  is  to  call 
upon  the  Father,  in  the  name  of  the  Son,  and  through  the 
gracious  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  (3.)  The  error  of  the 
Jews  and  of  the  Turks,  who  acknowledge  only  the  first 
person  of  the  Godhead,  and  thus  deny  an  adequate  Re- 
deemer, and  Sanctifier.  (4.)  I  discover  the  great  and 
ruinous  error  of  the  Socinians  or  Unitarians,  who  con- 
sider the  Son  of  God  to  be  only  a  creature  of  exalted 
worth.  (5.)  The  m  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  is  above  my 
reason,  though  not  contrary  to  it,  and  never  could  have 
been  known,  had  not  the  Scriptures  revealed  it. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  The  three  Persons    (or  differences  in    the    Divine 
Nature),  were  distinguished  at  Christ's  baptism  (Matt.  iii. 
17) ;  which  made  some  in  ancient  times  say  to  those  who 
denied  this  doctrine,    "  Go    to    Jordan,   and  there  see  a 
Trinity ;"  yet  though  the  Father  is  not  the  Son,  nor  the 
Son  the  Father,  and  neither  Father  nor  Son  are  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  three  Persons  are  equally  possessed  of  the  one 
divine  nature. 

2.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Doolittle  says : — "  May  I  not,  for 
my  admonition,  make  use  of  what  I  have  read  of  AUGUS- 
TINE, who,  as  he  was  walking  by  the  sea-side,  and  medi- 
tating on  the  Trinity,  saw  a  child  pouring  the  water  of 
the  sea  into  a  shell  having  a  hole  in  the  midst  thereof,  and 
demanded  of  the  child  what  he  was  doing  ?    The  child 
said,  "  I  am  putting  all  the  sea  into  this  shell."     Augus- 
tine answered,   "Thou  playest  the  child;    can  a  .shell, 


34  THE    TRINITY. 

thinkest  thou,  comprehend  all  this  sea  ?"  The  child  re- 
plied, "  So,  good  sir,  do  you,  who  would  by  reason  com- 
prehend the  Trinity."  The  child  vanished.  Augustine 
perceived  it  was  an  angel,  and  was  instructed  by  it,  that 
this  doctrine  was  above  the  reach  of  reason. 

3.  "  The  renewed  man,"  says  Jeremy  Taylor,  "  that  feels 
the  power  of  the  Father,  and  to  whom  the  Son  is  become 
wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption — 
in  whose  heart  the  love  of  the  Spirit  of   God  is  shed 
abroad — this  man,  though  he  understand  nothing  of  what 
is  unintelligible,  yet  he  alone  truly  understands  the  Chris- 
tian doctrine  of  the  Trinity" 

4.  The  Rev.  THOMAS  SCOTT,  the  celebrated  commentator 
on  the  Scriptures,  some  years  after  he  became  a  preacher, 
thus  writes  of  himself,  in  his  "Force  of  Truth:" — "The 
doctrine  of  a  trinity  of  co-equal  persons  in  the  unity  of 
the  Godhead,  had  been  hitherto  no  part  of  my  creed.     I 
had  long  been  accustomed  to  despise  this  great  mystery 
of  godliness.     I  had  quarelled  with  the  articles  of  the 
Established  Church  about  this  doctrine ;  I  had  been  very 
positive  and  open  in  my  declarations  against  it ;  and  my 
unhumbled  reason  still  retained  objections  to  it.     *        * 

*  #        *        *    After  much  reading  and  meditation 
upon  this  subject  (afterwards),  together  with  a  careful 
examination  of  the  Scriptures,  which  I  then  understood 
to  relate  thereto,  accompanied  with  a  hearty  prayer  for 
Divine  teaching,  I  was  at  length  constrained  to  renounce, 
as  utterly  indefensible,  all  my  former  sentiments,  and  to 
accede  to  that  doctrine  which  I  had  so  long  despised.     I 
could  no  longer  avoid  seeing  that  the  offices  and  works 
attributed  in  Scripture  to  the  Son  and  Holy  Ghost  are 
such  as  none  but  the  infinite  God  could  perform.     *        * 

*  *      *      *    And  being  assured,  from  reason,  as  well 
as  from  Scripture,  that  there  is  not,  and  cannot  be,  more 
Gods  than  one,  I  was  driven  from  my  reasonings,  and 
constrained  to  submit  my  natural  understanding  to  di- 


GOD'S  DECREES.  35 

vine  revelation  ;  and  allowing  that  the  incomprehensible 
God  alone  can  fully  know  the  unsearchable  mysteries  of 
his  own  Divine  nature,  and  manner  of  his  own  existence, 
to  adopt  the  doctrine  of  a  Trinity  in  Unity,  in  order  to 
preserve  consistency  in  my  own  scheme.". 


CHAPTER   II. 

CONCERNING   GOD's   DOINGS   WITH   RESPECT    TO   HIS 
CREATURES. 

I. — Of  the  nature  and  character  of  God's  decrees. 

Q.  *7.  WHAT  ARE  THE  DECREES  OF  GOD  ? 

The  decrees  of  God  are  his  eternal  purpose,  ac- 
cording to  the  counsel  of  his  will,  whereby,  for  his 
own  glory,  he  hath  foreordained  whatsoever  comes 
to  pass. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  has  formed  certain  purposes  and  decrees. — Eph. 
i.  11.     Being  predestinated  according  to  the  purpose  of 
him  who  worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own 
will. 

2.  God's  purposes  were  formed  in  his  mind  from  eternity. 
— Eph.  iii.  11.     According  to  the  eternal  purpose  which 
he  purposed  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

3.  God's  decrees  are  exclusively  the  purposes,  or  counsels 
of  his  own  will. — Rom.  ix.   18.     Therefore  hath  he  mercy 
on  whom  he  will  have   mercy,   and  whom  he  will  he 
hardeneth. 

4.  All  things  which  are  agreeable  to  the  counsels  or  pur- 
poses of  God  have  been  predestinated  by  him. — Acts,  iv.  28. 
To  do  whatsoever  thy  hand  and  thy  counsel  determined 
before  to  be  done. 


86  GOD'S  DECREES. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  decrees  of  God  are  the  wise  plans 
which  God  has  always  had  with  respect  to  what  He 
would  himself  do,  or  not  hinder  to  be  done  by  other 
beings ;  that  these  plans  were  formed  by  himself  alone, 
and  not  by  the  aid  or  influence  of  other  beings ;  that  He 
had  in  view  thereby  to  gain  the  highest  honor  to  him- 
self; and  that  whatever  takes  place  among  the  creatures 
of  God,  He  determined  either  to  bring  about,  or  not  to 
hinder.  (2.)  That  nothing  occurs  by  chance ;  that  no- 
thing occurs  beyond  the  knowledge  or  control  of  God ; 
that  nothing  occurs  differently  from  what  it  was  certain, 
according  to  the  settled  and  wise  plan  of  God,  would  take 
place.  (3.)  That  this  doctrine  of  decrees  is  by  no  meang 
to  be  considered  as  teaching  that  God  is  the  author  of 
sin  ;  nor  that  he  interferes  with  the  free  agency  of  man, 
so  as  to  destroy  or  impair  the  accountability  of  man. 
(4.)  I  learn,  also,  that  there  is  nothing  in  this  doctrine 
to  authorize  the  charges  of  its  opponents,  that  it  implies 
that  God  formed  a  large  part  of  our  race  on  purpose  to 
damn  them ;  that  it  involves  the  damnation  of  infants ; 
and  represents  the  blessed  God  as  an  arbitrary,  severe, 
and  cruel  tyrant.  With  just  abhorrence  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Green  repels  these  odious  charges,  and  says : — "  When- 
ever you  hear  Calvinists  or  Calvinism  charged  with  these, 
or  any  similar  sentiments,  remember  that  the  party  who 
does  it  is  either  ignorant  or  malignant — he  either  does 
not  know  what  we  believe,  or  he  wilfully  misrepresents 
our  sentiments.  He  draws  his  own  terrific  consequences 
from  our  principles,  and  then  charges  us  with  them.  But 
we  ourselves  draw  no  such  consequences ;  and  we  ear- 
nestly contend  that  they  do  not,  necessarily  or  fairly,  follow 
from  anything  we  hold.  (5.)  I  learn  that 

••  HERE,  not  a  scene  of  life  cornea  on— 
Of  gladness  or  of  tears— 


GOD'S  DECREES.  37 

Where  not  the  hand  of  Him  that  rules 

Our  mortal  state  appears ; 
Each  change  that  comes  of  joy  or  woe, 

Is  fixed  by  heaven's  decree— 
Nor  could  we  alter  aught  that  God 

Wished  from  eternity. 

"  O  no,  we  would  not  alter  aught 

That  wisdom  hath  designed 
To  train  for  everlasting  bliss 

The  wandering,  wayward  mind. 
It  is  our  joy  that  He  we  love 

Will  be  our  Judge  forever ; 
Nor  aught  from  his  paternal  care 

Our  interests  shall  sever."— S.  T.  SMITH. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  When   King   William  the   Third  of    England  was 
asked,  whether  he  could  believe  in  this  doctrine  of  fore- 
ordination,  his  reply  was,    "  I  cannot  help  believing  it : 
for  I  cannot  degrade  rny  Maker  below  the  character  of  a 
wise  man,  by  thinking  that  he  acted  without  a  plan,  and 
without  regarding  the  consequences  of  what  he  did." 

2.  Cowper  has  truthfully  and  beautifully  said : — 

"HAPPY the  man,  who  sees  a  God  employed 
[n  all  the  good  and  ill  that  checker  life ! 
Resolving  all  events,  with  their  effects 
And  manifold  results,  into  the  will 
And  arbitration  wise  of  the  Supreme. 

Did  not  his  eye  rule  all  things,  and  intend 
The  least  of  our  concerns  (since  from  the  least 
The  greatest  oft  originate) ;  could  chance 
Find  place  in  his  dominion,  or  dispose 
One  lawless  particle  to  thwart  his  plan  ; 
Then  God  might  be  surprised,  and  unforeseen 
Contingence  might  alarm  him,  and  disturb 
The  smooth  and  equal  course  of  his  affairs.1' 

3   The  late  Rev.  Samuel  Pierce,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,, 
thus  writes:— "I  thank  God  I  never,  I  think,  rejoiced 
habitually  so  much  in  him  as  I  have  done  of  late.    I  re- 
4 


d»        EXECUTION  OF  GOD  S  DECREES. 

joice  that  God  reigns  ;  that  he  reigns  over  all ;  that  he 
reigns  over  me  ;  over  my  crosses,  my  comforts,  my  family, 
my  friends,  my  senses,  my  mental  powers,  my  designs, 
my  words,  my  preaching,  my  conduct ;  that  he  is  God 
over  all,  blessed  for  ever. 

4.  A  person  in  humble  circumstances,  at  Lochwinnooh, 
whose  life  had  not  been  consistent  with  that  of  a  gen- 
uine Christian,  was  nevertheless  a  great  speculator  in 
divinity.  Even  on  his  death-bed  he  was  wont  to  perplex 
and  puzzle  himself  and  his  visitors  with  knotty  questions 
about  the  doctrines  of  the  Bible.  Thomas  Orr,  a  person 
of  a  very  different  character,  was  sitting  at  his  bedside, 
endeavoring  to  turn  his  attention  to  what  more  particu- 
larly concerned  him:  "Ah,  William,"  he  said,  "this  is 
the  decree  you  have  at  present  to  do  with — 'He  that  be- 
lieveth  shall  be  saved ;  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned/  " 

II. — The  execution  of  GocCs  decrees. 

Q.  8.  How  DOTH  GOD  EXECUTE  HIS  DECREES  ? 
God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of  crea- 
tion and  providence. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  executes  his  decrees  in  the  works  of  creation. — 
Rev.  iv.  11.      Thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy 
pleasure  they  are  and  were  created. 

2.  God  executes  his  decrees  in  the  works  of  Providence. — 
Psal.  ciii.  16.     His  kingdom  mleth  over  all. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  what  God  always  designed,  or  in- 
Cended,  to  do,  he  actually  does  in  the  works  of  creation 
and  providence.  (2.)  That,  in  God's  plans,  the  means  as 
well  as  the  results  are  embraced,  and  rendered  certain  to 
be  employed.  (3.)  That  I  can  come  to  a  knowledge  of 


CREATION    OF    THE   WORLD.  39 

God's  decrees,  only  by  the  acts  which  he  performs,  and 
by  the  events  which  he  brings  about  or  suffers  to  take 
place,  in  relation  to  myself  and  to  other  beings. 

What  Illustration  is  given  1 

TROUBLOUS  TIMES. — When  Whitelocke  was  embarking, 
in  1653,  for  Sweden,  he  was  much  disturbed  in  his  mind, 
as  he  rested  at  Harwich  on  the  preceding  night,  which 
was  stormy,  while  he  reflected  on  the  distracted  state 
of  England.  It  happened  that  a  good  and  confidential 
servant  slept  in  an  adjacent  bed,  who,  finding  that  his 
master  could  not  sleep  *fc  length  said,  "  Pray,  sir,  will 
you  give  me  leave  to  ask  you  a  question  ?"  "  Certainly." 
"  Pray,  sir,  don't  you  think  that  God  governed  the  world 
very  well  before  you  came  into  it  ?"  "  Undoubtedly." 
"And  pray,  sir,  don't  you  think  he  will  govern  it  quite 
as  well  when  you  are  gone  out  of  it  ?"  "  Certainly." 
"  Then,  sir,  don't  you  think  you  may  trust  Him  to  govern 
it  properly  as  long  as  you  live  ?"  To  this  last  question 
Whitelocke  had  nothing  to  reply ;  but  turning  himself 
about,  soon  fell  fast  asleep,  till  he  was  called  to  embark. 

The   Creation   of  the    World. 

Q.  9.  WHAT  is  THE  WORK  OF  CREATION  ? 

The  work  of  creation  is,  God's  making  all  things 
of  nothing,  by  the  word  of  his  power,  in  the  space 
of  six  days,  and  all  very  good. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  made  all  things. — John,  i.  8.     All  things  were 
made  by  him ;  and  without  him  was  not  anything  made 
that  was  made. 

2.  God  made  all  things  of  nothing. — ffeb.xL'6.      Through 
faith  we  understand  that  the  worlds  were  framed  by  the 
word  of  God,  so  that  things  which  are  seen  were  not 
made  of  things  which  do  appear. 


40  CREATION    OF   THE   WORLD. 

3.  God  made  all  things  by  his  word. — Psal.  xxxiii.  6.    By 
the  word  of  the  Lord  were  the  heavens  made ;  and  all  the 
host  of  them  by  the  breatf   of  his  mouth. 

4.  God  made  all  things  -en  the  space  of  six  days. — Exod. 
xx.  11.     In  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth. 

5.  God  made  all  things  very  good. — Gen.  i.  31.      And 
God  saw  everything  that  he  had  made,  and  behold  it  was 
/ery  good. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  work  of  creation  was  that  of  mak- 
ing all  things,  when  as  yet  there  was  no  material  to 
make  them  out  of;  that  at  the  time  when  he  willed  them 
to  be,  they  arose  into  being  ;  that  they  were  made  in  the 
best  manner,  and  fitted  to  answer  the  purposes  for  which 
God  made  them.  (2.)  To  adore  the  almighty  power  and 
unsearchable  wisdom  of  God  as  my  Creator,  and  to  look 
upon  all  the  objects  around  me  with  a  new  interest,  con- 
sidered as  his  works.  (3.)  That  I  am  a  creature  of  God, 
indebted  to  him  for  all  my  powers,  and  therefore  bound 
to  use  them  in  his  service ;  indebted  to  him  for  all  my 
sources  of  enjoyment,  and  therefore  bound  to  consult  his 
will  in  all  my  enjoyments,  and  to  be  highly  grateful  for 
them  to  their  Great  Author.  (4.)  The  great  mistake  of 
the  ancient  Greek  philosophers  who  held  that  the  world 
always  existed.  (5.)  If  God  created  all  things,  then  it 
is  rational  to  believe  that  he  can  and  will  perform  all 
that  he  has  promised  in  his  holy  word.  (6.)  Since  God 
hath  created  all  things,  they  belong  to  him,  and  he  has 
therefore  a  perfect  right  to  dispose  of  them,  and  of  my- 
self among  the  rest,  as  best  suits  his  wise  purposes  and 
plans. 

What  Illustration  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  A  gentleman  being  asked  to  go  and  examine  a  mag- 
nificent building,  erected  by  a  skilful  builder,  desired  to 
be  excused  and  to  remain  where  he  was,  looking  on  a 
flower  which  he  was  admiring — "For,"  said  he,  "I  see 


THE    CREATION    OF   MAN.  41 

more  of  God  in  this  flower,  than  in  all  the  beautiful  edi 
fices  in  the  world." 

2.  We  are  told  that  Plato,  the  Greek  philosopher,  waa 
convinced  of  the  existence  of   a  Deity,  upon  observing 
that  all  the  world  could  not  make  even  so  insignificant  a 
creature  as  a  fly. 

3.  Dean  Swift  (borrowing  the  idea  from  Cicero)  says, 
that  he  will  no  more  believe  that  the  universe  was  formed 
by  a  fortuitous  concourse  of   atoms,  than  that  the  acci- 
dental jumbling  of  the  letters  of  the  alphabet  would  fall 
by  chance  into  an  ingenious  and  learned  treatise  of  phi- 
losophy. 

The  Creation  of  Man. 

Q.  10.    HOW  DID  GOD  CREATE  MAN? 

God  created  man  male  and  female,  after  his  own 
image,  in  knowledge,  righteousness,  and  holiness, 
with  dominion  over  the  creatures. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  answer  ? 

1.  God  created  man. — Gen,  i\,  7.     The  Lord  God  formed 
man  of  the  dust  of  the  ground,   and  breathed  into  his 
nostrils  the  breath  of  life. 

2.  Man  was  created  male  and  female. — Gen.  i.  27.     Male 
and  female  created  he  them. 

3.  Man  was  created  in  the  image  of  God. — Gen.  i.  27. 
God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image  of  God 
created  he  him. 

4.  God's  image  in  man  consisted  in  knowledge. — Col.  iii. 
10.     And  have  put  on  the  new  man,  which  is  renewed  in 
knowledge,  after  the  image  of  him  that  created  him. 

5.  God's   image   in   man    consisted    in   righteousness.— 
Eccles.  vii.  29.     God  hath  made  man  upright;  but  they 
have  sought  out  many  inventions. 

6.  God's  image  in  man  consisted  in  holiness. — Eph.  iv. 
24.     Put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in 
righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

7.  God  created  man  with  dominion  over  the  creatures.— 

4* 


42  THE    CREATION   OF   MAN. 

Gen.  i.  28.  And  God  blessed  them,  and  God  said  unto 
them,  Be  fruitful,  and  multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth, 
and  subdue  it ;  and  have  dominion  over  the  fish  of  the 
eea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  over  every  living 
thing  that  moveth  upon  the  earth. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  Adam  and  Eve  were  made  like  God 
in  respect  to  the  knowledge  which  he  gave  them,  and 
their  being  right  in  all  their  feelings  and  thoughts  ;  their 
being  free  from  all  disposition  to  do  wrong ;  and  also  in 
their  being  placed  at  the  head  of  all  the  other  creatures 
on  earth,  and  exercising  authority  over  them.  (2.)  To 
praise  God  for  the  high  rank  and  great  excellence  which 
he  gave  to  man  at  his  first  creation.  (3.)  That  it  is  my 
duty  to  pursue  an  upright  and  worthy  course-  of  conduct. 
(4.)  That  sin  has  produced  a  sad  change  in  man's  charac- 
ter and  mode  of  life. 

What  Illustration  can  you  relate  ? 

I  will  draw  it  from  Pollok's  "Course  of  Time" — 
Book! 

BUT  MAN  He  made  of  angel  form  erect, 

To  hold  communion  with  the  heavens  above, 

And  on  his  soul  impressed  his  image  fair, 

His  own  similitude  of  holiness, 

Of  virtue,  truth,  and  love ;  with  reason  high 

To  balance  right  and  wrong,  and  conscience  quick 

To  choose  or  to  reject ;  with  knowledge  great, 

Prudence  and  wisdom,  vigilance  and  strength, 

To  guard  all  force  or  guile ;  and  last  of  all, 

The  highest  gift  of  God's  abundant  grace, 

With  perfect,  free,  unbiased  will.    Thus  man 

Was  made  upright,  immortal  made,  and  crowned 

The  king  of  all ;  to  eat,  to  drink,  to  do 

Freely  and  sovereignly  his  will  entire; 

By  one  command  alone  restrained,  to  prove, 

As  was  most  just,  his  filuil  love  sincere, 

His  loyalty,  obedience  due,  and  faith." 


GOD'S    GENERAL    PROVIDENCE.  43 

God's  general  Providence. 

Q.  11.  WHAT  ARE  GOD'S  WORKS  OF  PROVIDENCE  ? 

God's  works  of  Providence  are,  his  most  holy, 
wise,  and  powerful  preserving  and  governing  all  his 
creatures,  and  all  their  actions. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  preserves  all  his  creatures. — Psal.  cxlv.  15.     The 
eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee :  and  thou  givest  them  their 
meat  in  due  season. 

2.  God  governs  all  his  creatures. — Psal.  ciii.  19.      His 
kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 

3.  God  directs  and  governs  all    the  actions  of  his  crea- 
tures.— Prov.  xvi.  9.      A  man's  heart  deviseth  his  way : 
but  the  Lord  directeth  his  steps. 

4.  God's    works   of  providence    are    most   holy. — Psal. 
cxlv.  17.     The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy 
in  all  his  works. 

5.  God's  works  of  providence  are  most  wise. — Isa.  xxviii. 
29.     The  Lord  of  hosts,  which  is  wonderful  in  counsel, 
and  excellent  in  working. 

6.  God's  works  of  providence  are  most  powerful. — Psal 
Ixvi.  7.     He  ruleth  by  his  power  for  ever. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  there  is  no  such  thing  as  blind  fate ; 
that  there  is  a  divine  agency  which  guides,  and  protects, 
and  governs ;  that  it  reaches  to  all  places,  beings,  and 
events.  (2.)  To  commit  myself  and  all  other  creatures  to 
the  care  and  guidance  of  my  Creator,  and  to  endeavor 
at  all  times  to  act  in  obedience  to  his  supreme  will.  (3.) 
That  events  which  seem  accidental,  are  nevertheless 
ordered  by  the  Lord,  as  when  the  Bible  informs  us  (1 
Kings,  xxii.  34)  of  a  certain  man  who  drew  a  bow  at  a 
venture,  and  smote  the  king  of  Israel  between  the  joints 
of  the  harness.  God's  providence  directed  the  arrow  to 


44  GOD'S    GENERAL    PROVIDENCE. 

the  mark.  (4.)  That  the  providence  of  God  is  merely  the 
accomplishment  of  his  eternal  purposes  concerning  his 
creatures,  and  that  all  the  circumstances  of  my  life  are 
regulated  by  his  wisdom  and  power.  Hence  (5.)  I  must 
not  murmur  or  complain  when  affliction  befalls  me,  nor  be 
ungrateful  to  God  when  he  prospers  me  and  gladdens  me 
in  my  course.  (6.)  That  the  cause  of  religion — the 
church  of  Christ — is  safe.  (7.)  That  even  the  wickedness 
of  man  is  overruled  for  good,  as  in  the  case  of  the  envy 
of  Joseph's  brethren,  the  crucifixfon  of  our  Saviour,  and 
the  sensuality  of  Henry  VIII.  of  England. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  give  ? 

1.  There  is  a  habit  of  saying,  "Such  a  thing  will  TURN 
UP,"  as  if  it  depended  on  chance ;  whereas  nothing  will 
turn  up  but  what  has  been  ordered.     When  a  man  be- 
comes a  Christian,  he  is  written  upon,    "  TO  BE  PROVIDED 
FOR,"  and  he  ought,  therefore,  to  notice,  as  he  goes  on, 
how  Providence  does  provide  for  him. 

2.  When  the  Protestants  in  Rochelle  were  besieged  by 
the  French  king,  God,  by  his  providence,  sent  in  a  num- 
ber of  small  fishes  that  fed  them,  such  as  were  never  seen 
before  in  that  harbor. 

3.  The  raven,  a  bird   that   has  not  natural  affection 
enough  to  feed  its  own  young,  yet  providentially  carried 
nourishment  to  the  Hebrew  prophet  Elijah. 

4.  The  Book  of  Esther  details  a  series  of  the  most  won- 
derful providences  in  behalf  of  the  Jewish  people,  when 
in  great  danger  of  a  universal  massacre. 

5.  The  Rev.  Richard  Cecil  has  correctly  observed,  that 
"we  are  too  apt  to  forget  our    actual    dependence  on 
Providence,  for  the  circumstances  of  every  instant.     The 
most  trivial  events  may  determine  our  state  in  the  world. 
Turning  up  one  street  instead  of  another,  may  bring  us 
into  company  with  a  person  whom  we  should  not  other- 
wise have  met ;  and  this  may  lead  to  a  train  of  other 


GOD'S    GENERAL   PROVIDENCE.  45 

events,  which  may  determine  the  happiness  or  misery  of 
our  lives." 

6.  OVERRULING  PROVIDENCE. — "All  these  things  are  against 
me,"  thought  good  old  Jacob,  when  he  exclaimed  in  the 
bitterness  of  his  soul,  "  Joseph  is  not,  Simeon  is  not,  and 
will  ye  take  Benjamin  away  ?"  And  it  did  seem  as 
if  these  bereavements  would  "  bring  down  his  gray  hairs 
with  sorrow  to  the  grave."  But  it  was  all  cleared  up  when 
"  he  saw  the  wagons "  which  Joseph  had  sent  to  carry 
him  and  all  his  numerous  family  down  to  Egypt,  and 
save  them  alive,  during  the  terrible  seven  years'  famine. 
So  Joseph  himself  must  have  thought,  when  his  brethren 
cast  him  into  the  pit ;  when  they  sold  him  as  a  slave  to 
the  Ishmaelites ;  and  when,  upon  the  false  charge  of  an 
adulterous  woman,  he  was  thrown  into  prison,  without 
any  hope  of  relief,  or  any  prospect  of  it,  except  by  a  vio- 
lent and  ignominious  death.  But  how  was  it,  when  he 
found  himself  suddenly  raised  to  the  vice-royalty  of 
Egypt,  and  that  God  had  sent  him  down  to  preserve  the 
life  of  his  venerable  father,  and  of  the  very  brethren  who 
had  so  cruelly  sold  him  to  the  passing  caravan  ?  "  All 
things  are  against  us,"  undoubtedly,  thought  our  Puritan 
ancestors,  when  they  were  persecuted  from  city  to  city, 
and  could  find  no  secure  resting-place  short  of  this  great 
Western  wilderness ;  but  God  sent  his  angel  before  them, 
and  what  glorious  foundations  of  civil  and  religious  liberty 
did  they  lay  upon  these  shores,  for  the  building  up  of  a 
great  nation.  We  see  in  all  these  and  numberless  other 
striking  examples,  how  much  better  care  God  takes  of 
his  people  than  they  could  take  of  themselves,  and  how 
he  overrules  the  most  adverse  and  trying  events  for  their 
highest  good.  Indeed,  this  is  a  matter  of  every-day  ex- 
perience. Almost  any  person  who  has  arrived  at  the 
age  of  forty,  can  recollect  times  when  his  favorite  plans 
were  thwarted,  and  it  did  seem  as  if  the  course  of  Provi- 
dence was  agairst  him,  when,  as  it  proved  in  the  end,  it 


46  COVENANT    OF   WORKS. 

was  all  in  his  favor,  and  saved  him  from  losses  or  calami- 
ties, in  which  the  carrying  out  of  his  plans  would  inevi- 
tably have  involved  him. — Dr.  Humphrey. 

THE    SPECIAL    PROVIDENCE    OF    GOD    TOWARDS    MAN 
IN    HIS  CREATION  AND    FALL. 

Covenant  of  Works — Its  Parties  and  Terms. 

Q.  12.  WHAT  SPECIAL  ACT  OF  PROVIDENCE  DID  GOD  EXER- 
CISE TOWARD  MAN  IN  THE  ESTATE  WHEREIN  HE  WAS  CREATED  ? 

When  God  had  created  man,  he  entered  into  a 
covenant  of  life  with  him  upon  condition  of  per- 
fect obedience  ;  forbidding  him  to  eat  of  the  tree 
of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  upon  the  pain 
of  death. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  1 

1.  God  entered  into  a  covenant  with  Adam. — Hos.  vi.  7. 
With  Margin.     They  like  Adam  have  transgressed  the 
covenant. 

2.  The  terms  of  the  covenant  of  works  were  perfect  obedi 
ence. — Gen.  iii.  3.     God  hath  said,  ye  shall  not  eat  of  it, 
neither  shall  ye  touch  it. 

3.  Obedience  was  required  from  our  first  parents  under 
the  pain  of  death. — Gen.  ii.  17.      In  the  day   that    thou 
eatest  thereof,  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  soon  after  the  first  man  was  created, 
God  made  a  law  that  he  should  not  eat  of  a  certain  tree, 
called  the  Tree  of  the  Knowledge  of  Good  and  Evil ;  that  to 
secure  his  obedience  to  this  law,  God  threatened  that  the 
greatest  evil,  namely  death,  would  come  upon  him  should 
he  fail  to  keep  it ;  that  it  would  thus  be  understood,  that 
while  he  continued  obedient,  he  should  enjoy  life  and  all 
the  benefits  of  his  Creator's  approbation  and  love.  (2.) 
That  this  law,  with  its  threatenings  and  implied  promise 


47 

of  life,  is  called  a  Covenant  of  Life,  that  is,  an  agreement 
by  which  life  and  happiness  would  have  been  perma- 
nently secured  to  our  first  parents  had  they  continued  to 
obey  this  particular  command — a  command  most  easy  to 
be  kept,  and  for  transgressing  which  no  excuse  can  be  made. 

[This  arrangement,  proposed  to  our  first  parents  as  the 
one  party,  by  God  as  the  other,  is  sometimes  called  the 
Covenant  of  Works,  because  it  was  a  method  of  securing 
the  perpetual  favor  of  God  by  the  works  or  doings  (in  ref- 
erence to  this  law)  of  our  first  parents,  and  is  dis- 
tinguished from  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  or  the  method  of 
securing  God's  favor  simply  on  the  ground  of  what  Christ 
has  done  and  suffered  for  us.] 

I  learn  (3.)  That  my  highest  duty  is  to  obey  God,  as 
my  sovereign  Lord,  in  every  particular,  and  that  this  is 
perfectly  reasonable.  (4.)  That  happiness  or  misery  is 
appointed  to  follow  my  actions  according  to  their  nature. 
This  tree  derives  its  name,  from  the  fact  that  Adam  would 
come  to  a  knowledge  of  the  good  of  innocence  on  his 
losing  it,  and  of  the  evil  of  disobedience  by  the  sufferings 
to  which  he  then  should  become  liable. 

Man's  Disobedience  and  Fall. 

Q.  13.  DlD  OUR  FIRST  PARENTS  CONTINUE  IN  THE  ESTATE 
WHEREIN  THEY  ,WERE  CREATED  ? 

Our  first  parents  being  left  to  the  freedom  of 
their  own  will,  fell  from  the  estate  wherein  they 
were  created,  by  sinning  against  God. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Our  first  parents  loere  left  to  the  freedom  of  their  own 
will. — Gen.  iii.  13.      And  the  woman  said,    The  serpent 
beguiled  me,  and  I  did  eat. 

2.  Man  by  sin  fell  from  the  estate  in  which  he  was  created 
— Rom.  v.  12.     By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world, 
and  death  by  sin. 


48  THE   NATURE   OF   SIN. 

What  Lessors  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  our  first  parents  being  allowed  to 
choose  for  themselves  whether  they  would  obey  or  dis- 
obey the  particular  law  which  God  had  given  them,  chose 
to  disobey  it,  and  thus  ceased  to  be  the  holy  and  the 
happy  beings  which  previously  they  were,  for  they  had 
thus  become  sinners,  and  had  fallen  from  a  state  of  inno- 
cence and  happiness.  Their  moral  character  was  changed. 
(2.)  That  disobedience  to  God  is  a  bad  thing  for  me  as 
well  as  for  others,  and  that  in  all  cases  I  must  guard 
against  and  avoid  it.  (3.)  That  I  must  never  cease  to 
watch  against  the  power  of  temptation  ;  for,  by  neglect- 
ing this,  our  first  parents  became  sinners. 

What  Illustration  can  you  relate  ? 

THE  DIFFICULTIES  OF  SCRIPTURE. — An  old  man  once  said, 
"  For  a  long  period  I  puzzled  myself  about  the  difficulties 
of  Scripture,  until  at  last  I  came  to  the  resolution  that 
reading  the  Bible  was  like  eating  fah.  When  I  find  a 
difficulty,  I  lay  it  aside  and  call  it  a  bone.  Why  should  I 
choke  on  the  bone,  when  there  ii  much  nutritious  meat 
to  use  ?  Some  day,  perhaps,  I  may  find  that  even  the 
bones  may  afford  me  nourishment." 

The  Nature  of  Sin. 

Q.  14.  WHAT  is  SIN  ? 

Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or  transgress- 
ion of  the  law  of  God. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  answer  ? 

1.  Any  want  of  conformity  to  God's  law  is  sin. — Gal.  lii. 
10.     Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

2.  Any  transgression  of  the  law  of  God  is  sin. — 1  John, 
iii.  4.     Sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law. 


THE   NATURE   OP    SIN.  4tf 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  a  refusing,  or  even  a  neglect  to  think, 
to  feel,  and  to  do  as  God  in  his  law  requires,  is  sin  ;  that 
sin  is  also  committed  when  I  think,  feel,  or  act  differ- 
ently from  what  God  requires.  (2.)  That  it  is  my  solemn 
duty  and  interest  carefully  to  study  the  Bible  (which  is 
God's  law),  that  I  may  be  ignorant  of  nothing  which  he 
requires  of  me,  and  do  nothing  which  he  forbids.  (3.) 
I  learn  the  great  evil  of  sin  :  it  involves  direct  opposition 
to  the  greatest  and  best  of  beings,  of  whose  just  and  bene- 
ficial law  it  is  a  violation. 

What  Illustrations  may  be  cited  ? 

1.  It  is  reported  of  the  Emperor  PHOCAS,  that  having 
built  a  wall  of  prodigious  strength  around  his  city,  a 
voice  was  heard  proclaiming :  "  Sin  is  within  the  city,  and 
that  will  throw  down  the  wall." 

2.  SATAN   AND   THE  SINNER. — The  Kev.   JOHN  NEWTON 
said  of  a  certain  clergyman,  that  he  had  never  heard  him 
preach  but  once;   on  which  occasion  he  had   observed, 
"  If  you  wish  to  know  what  a  sinner  is,  he  is  a  young 
devil ;  and  if  you  wish  to  know  what  a  devil  is,  he  is  an 
old  sinner." 

3.  The   last    audible   prayer  of  the  good  Archbishop 
USHER,  was :  "  Lord  forgive  my  sins,  especially  my  sins 
of  omission." 

4.  It  was  a  remarkable  trait  in  the  character  of  COUNT 
GUDOMAR,  according  to  his  own  oft-repeated  declaration, 
that  he  feared  nothing  in  the  world  more  than  sin,  and  what- 
eArcr  liberties  he  had  taken  in  earlier  life,  he  would  suffer 
any  form  of   violent   death  rather  than  knowingly  or 
willingly  commit  any  sin  against  God. 

5.  DOING    NOTHING. — *'  He   made   me  out  a  sinner  for 
doing  nothing !"  said  one  under  the  conviction  of  sin,  and 
who,  in  a  revival,  had  been    asked,    "  How  were    you 

5 


50  ADAM'S  SIN,  IN  PARTICULAR. 

awakened  ?"  It  was  a  new  thought  to  the  poor  man,  who 
had  been  comforting  himself  with  the  plea  that  he  had 
done  nothing  very  bad.  But  now  he  saw  that  his  great- 
est sin  was  the  very  thing  in  which  he  had  been  comfort- 
ing himself — doing  nothing. 

Adam's  Sin^  in  particular. 
Q.  15.  WHAT  WAS  THE  SIN  WHEREBY  OUR  FIRST  PARENTS  FELL 

FROM  THE  ESTATE  WHEREIN  THEY  WERE  CREATED  ? 

The  sin  whereby  our  first  parents  fell  from  the 
estate  wherein  they  were  created,  was  their  eating 
the  forbidden  fruit. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  first  and  particular  sin  of  Adam  was  eating  the 
forbidden  fruit. — Gen.  iii.  6.     She  took  of  the  fruit  thereof, 
and  did  eat ;  and  gave  also  unto  her  husband  with  her, 
and  he  did  eat. 

2.  Eating  the  forbidden  fruit  was  the  cause  of  Adam's 
fall. — Rom.  v.  17.     By  one  man's  offence  death  reigned 
by  one. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Dcctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  in  small  matters  as  well  as  in  great,  I 
may  show  whether  I  have  a  spirit  of  obedience  to  God,  or 
otherwise.  (2.)  That  I  must  indulge  in  nothing  that  God 
has  forbidden.  (3.)  That  the  enormity  of  the  first  sin 
does  not  appear  in  looking  at  the  mere  outward  act  per- 
formed, but  at  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case  and  con- 
sequences. Hence  (4.)  I  learn  to  beware  of,  and 
watch  against  sin,  though  it  may  at  first  appear  to 
be  insignificant.  (5.)  That,  like  our  first  parents,  I  am 
exposed  to  be  tempted  by  Satan,  to  the  ruin  of  my  cha- 
racter and  happiness.  (6.)  That  I  cannot  trust  my  own 
powers  for  obeying  God  or  resisting  temptation,  but  must 
depend  on  the  grace  of  God  as  revealed  in  Jesus  Christ 
to  penitent  sinners. 


THE  EXTENT  OF  THE  FALL.          51 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  The   Rev.  Thomas   Doolittle    occupies    more   than 
nineteen  large  folio  pages  to  show  the  greatness  of  this 
first  sin,  however  trivial  it  may  seem  to  a  careless  and 
worldly  mind.     He  shows  its  greatness  (1.)  By  the  ten 
sins  of  the  woman,  which  went  before  the  eating  of  that 
fruit.     (2.)  By  ten  sins  of  Adam  and  Eve  included  in  it. 
(3.)    By  ten  great  evils,  to  them  and  their  descendants, 
that  followed  after  it.      (4.)  By  ten  aggravating  circum- 
stances attending  it.     (5.)    By  the  Ten  Commandments 
all  being  broken  by  it. 

2.  "TheYe  are  FOUR  THINGS,"  says  Philip  Henry,  "we 
must  not  make  a  mock  of — Sin  (Prov.  xiv.  9),  people's 
natural  infirmities,  the  Word  of  God,  and  good  people." 

3.  In  the  West  Indies  there  is  said  to  grow  a  tree  of 
very  attractive  appearance,  bearing  a  kind  of  fruit  re- 
sembling the  golden  pippin.     It  is  beautiful  to  the  eye, 
and  fragrant,  but,  when   eaten,  produces   instant  death 
So  poisonous  is  the  juice  of  it  that  the  Indians  dip  the 
points  of  their  arrows  in  it  for  the  purpose  of  poisoning 
their  enemies  when  they  wound  them.     It  is  remarkable 
that  in  the  neighborhood  of    this  fatal    tree  is    always 
found,  through  the  kind  providence  of  God,  a  white  wood, 
or  a  fig  tree,  the  juice  of  either  of  which,  if  applied  soon, 
is  an  antidote  to  the  poisonous  influence  of  the  tree  first 
spoken  of — the  Manchaneel.     This  latter  may  be  regarded 
as  a  symbol  of  the  pleasing  but  destructive  nature  of  sin ; 
while  the  other  trees  symbolize  the  precious  Word  of 
Christ,  which  God  in  his  mercy  has  provided  as  the  only 
antidote. 

The  Extent  of  the  Fall. 

Q.  16.    DlD   ALL    MANKIND   FALL    IN    ADAM'S    FIRST     TRANS- 
GRESSION ? 

The  covenant  being  made  with  Adam,  not  only 
for  himself,  but  for  his  posterity ;    all  mankind, 


52          THE  EXTENT  OF  THE  FALL. 

descending  from  him  by  ordinary  generation, 
sinned  in  him,  and  fell  with  him,  in  his  first  trans- 
gression. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  covenant  of  works  was  made  for  the  posterity  of 
Adam  as  well  as  for  himself. — Rom.  v.  14.     Nevertheless, 
death  reigned  from  Adam  to  Moses,  even  over  them  that 
had  not  sinned  after  the  similitude  of  Adam's  transgress- 
ion, who  is  the  figure  of  him  that  was  to  come. 

2.  All  men  are  the  descendants  of  Adam  and  Eve. — Gen. 
iii.  20.    And  Adam  called  his  wife's  name  Eve,  because 
she  was  the  mother  of  all  living. 

3.  All  men  being  the  children  of  Adam  sinned  in  him. — 
Rom.  v.  12.     By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and 
death  by  sin  ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that 
all  have  sinned. 

4.  All  men  fell  with  Adam. — 1  Cor.  xv.   22.     In  Adam 
all  die. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  covenant,  or  law,  given  to  Adam, 
in  Paradise,  was  designed  to  affect  not  only  himself,  but 
likewise  all  who  should  come  after  him  in  the  ordinary 
mode  of  birth  ;  so  that  if  Adam  had  done  what  God  re- 
quired of  him  in  that  law,  or  covenant,  all  the  human 
race  would  have  been  thereby  rendered  obedient  to  God, 
and  happy ;  but  on  the  other  hand,  his  disobedience 
would  render  them  as  a  race  disobedient  and  miserable. 
(2.)  Deeply  to  lament  Adam's  first  sin  as  the  beginning 
and  occasion  of  all  the  numberless  sins  that  have  since 
been  committed  on  earth,  and  as  the  occasion  of  our  loss 
of  all  the -unmixed  happiness  and  holiness  we  would 
have  enjoyed  as  a  race,  if  Adam  had  not  transgressed  the 
law  under  which,  as  a  means  of  trial,  God  had  placed  him, 
and  us  virtually  through  him. 

*'  Man  sinned :  tempted,  he  ate  the  guarded  tree : 
Audacious,  unbelieving,  proud,  ungrateful, 
He  ate  the  interdicted  fruit,  and  fell ; 


CONSEQUENCES    OF    THE    FALL.  53 

And  in  his  fall,  his  universal  race  ; 

For  they  in  him  by  delegation  were, 

In  him  to  stand  or  fall— to  live  or  die."— POLLOK. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  THE  ORIGIN  orSitf. — Two  American  divines  were  once 
conversing  together  about  the  various  theories  concern- 
ing the  origin  of  sin,  when  one  interrupted  them  by  say- 
ing, "  It  seems  to  me  that  it  would  be  far  better  for  minis- 
ters, instead  of  puzzling  themselves  to   know  how  sin 
ENTERED  INTO  the  world,  to  unite  their  efforts,  and  try  how 
much  of  it,  with  God's  blessing,  they  can  drive  out." 
"You  remind  me,  madam,"  said  one  of  the  clergymen, 
"  of  my  aged  deacon,  who,  after  listening  to  a  sermon,  in 
which  I  had  endeavored  to  explain  why  God  suffered  sin 
to  enter  the  world,  being  asked  what  he  thought  of  my 
theory,  shook  his  head,  and  replied,  "  All,  sir,  all  I  know 
about  it  is,  I  am  a  sinner,  and  WISH  I  WASN'T." 

2.  ~( The  fact  is  plain,"   says  Pliny  Fisk,    "  that  God 
governs  the  world,  and  controls  every  event ;  and  yet  the 
world  is  full  of  sin  and  woe.     I  cannot  discover  the  rea- 
sons why  it  is  so ;  though  I  can  see  that  by  this  means 
God  will  have  an  opportunity  to  make  manifest  his  ab- 
horrence of  sin,  his  justice,  and  his  mercy.     Had  it  not 
been  so,  there  had  been  no  displays  of  punitive  justice, 
no  ransomed  sinners,  no  bleeding  Saviour,  no  songs  of  re- 
deeming love  in  heaven.      Still,  much    darkness    over- 
spreads the  subject.     Kestless  curiosity  starts  many  ques- 
tions, to  which  no  answer  can  be  found.     Is  my  heart, 
nevertheless,  filled  with  love  to  this  Supreme  Governor, 
*  whose  judgments  are  unsearchable,  and  whose  ways  are 
past  finding  out  ?' " 

Consequences  of  the  Fall. 

Q.  17.  INTO  WHAT  ESTATE  DID  THE  FALL  BRING  MANKIND? 
The  fall  brought  mankind  into  an  estate  of  siu 
and  misery. 

5* 


54         SINFULNESS    OF    MAN'S    STATE    BY    THE    FALL. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  fall  of  Adam  brought  mankind  into  an  estate  of 
sin. — Rev.  v.  7.      By  one  man's  disobedience  many  were 
made  sinners.  ?£#*>t^    ^T""~  /  Ol 

2.  The  fall  of  Adam  brought  mankind  into  an  estate  of 
misery. — Rom.  v.  17.     By  one  man's  offence  death  reigned 
by  one. 

What  Lesson  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  to  abhor  and  dread  sin,  as  the  greatest  of  all 
evils — as  that  which  "brought  death  into  the  world,  and 
all  our  woe." 

What  Illustration  is  given  ? 

WHAT  is  OUR  OWN  ? — A  heathen  girl  was  once  asked  by 
her  teacher  if  there  was  anything  which  she  could  call 
her  own.  She  hesitated  for  a  moment,  and  then,  looking 
up,  replied : — "  I  think  there  is."  "  What  is  it  ?"  inquired 
the  teacher,  with  some  surprise.  "  I  think,"  said  the  girl, 
"  that  my  sins  are  my  own."  And  this  is  the  conclusion 
of  the  whole  matter. — Day  Spring. 

Sinfulness  of  Marts  State  by  the  Fall. 
Q.  18.  WHEREIN  CONSISTS  THE  SINFULNESS  OF  THAT  ESTATE 

WHEREINTO  MAN  FELL  ? 

The  sinfulness  of  that  estate*  whereinto  man  fell, 
consists  in  the  guilt  of  Adam's  first  sin,  the  want 
of  original  righteousness,  and  the  corruption  of  his 
whole  nature,  which  is  commonly  called  Original 
Sin ;  together  with  all  actual  transgressions  which 
proceed  from  it. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  sinfulness  of  our  fallen  state  consists  in  the  guilt 
of  Adam's  first  sin. — Rom.  v.  18.  By  the  offence  of  one, 
judgment  came  upon  all  men  to  condemnation. 


SINFULNESS  OF  MAN'S  STATE  BY  THE  FALL.         55 

2.  The  sinfulness  of  our  fallen  state  consists  in  the  want  of 
original  righteousness. — Rom.  iii.  10.     There  is  none  right- 
eous, no,  not  one. 

3.  The  sinfulness  of  our  fallen  state  consists  in  the  corrup- 
tion of  our  whole  nature  or  of  original  sin. — Psal.  li.5.     Be- 
hold, I  was  shapen  in  iniquity ;  and  in  sin  did  my  mother 
conceive  me. 

4.  The   sinfulness  of  our  fallen  nature  is  shown  in  our 
actual  transgressions. — JZccles.  vii.  20.     There  is  not  a  just 
man  upon  earth,  that  doeth  good,  and  sinneth  not. 

5.  Actual    transgressions   proceed  from  original  sin. — 
Mark,  vii.  21.     For  from  within,  out  of  the  heart  of  men, 
proceed  evil  thoughts,  adulteries,  fornications,  murders, 
<fcc. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  that  the  sinfulness  which  man  has  acquired 
through  Adam  includes  (1.)  Our  liability  to  suffering,  or  to 
be  treated  as  transgressors  on  his  account,  as  our  repre- 
sentative. (2.)  That  we  are  born  destitute  of  that  pious 
and  righteous  state  of  mind  which  Adam  had  when  God 
first  made  him.  (3.)  That  we.  are  naturally  prone  to 
make  a  wrong  and  wicked  use  of  our  minds  and  bodies. 
(4.)  That  the  sinfulness  thus  far  described,  is  called 
Original  Sin,  because  we  have  it  at  our  origin  or  birth. 
(5.)  That  as  a  consequence  of  this  we  actually  transgress 
the  law  of  God  from  day  to  day  (when  left  to  ourselves). 
(6.)  That  the.  "  guilt  of  Adam's  sin  "  is  a  phrase  used  in  a 
peculiar,  and  not  in  a  common  sense ;  that  it  does  not 
mean  that  I  am  to  blame  for  Adam's  first  sin ;  yet  I  am  to 
blame  for  all  my  own  sins,  though  committed  by  me,  as  a 
result  of  that  first  sin.  (7.)  The  necessity  of  my  being 
"  born  again,"  or  of  receiving  from  God  an  entirely  new 
state  of  mind  and  feeling,  that  my  actions  may  be  made 
to  conform  to  the  law  of  God.  (8.)  What  is  meant  by 
the  doctrine  that  man  is  totally  depraved.  It  is  not  that 
all  men  are  alike  sinful ;  nor  that  any  man  is  as  bad  as 
he  can  be ;  but  that  all  the  human  powers  are  depraved  by 


56        MISERY  OF  MAN'S  STATE  BI  THE  FALL. 

sin ;  and  that  every  person,  by  nature,  is  entirely  desti- 
tute of  holiness — that  state  of  mind  which  is  essential  to 
the  acceptable  service  of  God.  At  the  same  time,  this 
doctrine  does  not  deny  that  men,  by  nature,  may  possess 
some  very  amiable  and  useful  characteristics. 

What  Illustration  can  you  relate  ? 

A  CAVILLER  once  asked  the  shrewd  Dr.  Nettleton,  "  How 
came  I  by  my  wicked  heart?"  "That,"  he  replied,  "is 
a  question  which  does  not  concern  you  so  much  as  another, 
namely:  how  you  should  get  rid  of  it.  You  have  a 
wicked  heart,  which  renders  you  entirely  unfit  for  the 
kingdom  of  God ;  and  you  must  have  a  new  heart,  or  you 
cannot  be  saved;  and  the  question  which  now  most 
deeply  concerns  you,  is,  how  you  shall  obtain  it  ?"  As 
the  man  manifested  no  wish  to  hear  anything  on  that 
subject,  but  still  pressed  the  question  how  he  came  by 
his  wicked  heart,  Dr.  Nettleton  told  him  that  his  condi- 
tion resembled  that  of  a  man  who  is  drowning,  while  his 
friends  are  attempting  to  save  his  life.  As  he  rises  to 
the  surface  of  the  water, he  exclaims,  "How  came  I  here  \n 
"  That  question  does  not  concern  you  now  ;  take  hold  of 
this  rope."  "  But  how  came  I  here  ?"  he  asks  again. 
"I  shall  not  stop  to  answer  that  question  now,"  replies 
his  friend.  "  Then  I'll  drown,"  says  the  infatuated  man, 
and,  spurning  all  proffered  aid,  sinks  to  the  bottom. 

Misery  of  Man's  State  by  the  Fall. 
Q.  19.  WHAT  is  THE  MISERY  OF  THAT  ESTATE  WHEREINTO 

MAN  FELL  ? 

All  mankind,  by  their  fall,  lost  communion  with 
God,  are  under  his  wrath  and  curse,  and  so  made 
liable  to  all  the  miseries  in  this  life,  to  death  itself, 
and  to  the  pains  of  hell  for  ever. 


MISERY    OF   MAN'S    STATE    BY    THE    FALL.          57 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  All  men,  since  the  fall,  hate  God  and  have  lost  com~ 
munion  with  him. — Rom.  viii.  7.     The  carnal  mind  is  en- 
mity against  God. 

2.  Man,  by  nature,  is  under  the  wrath  of  God. — Eph.  ii.  3. 
And  were  by  nature  the    children   of  wrath,   even    as 
others. 

3.  Man,  by  nature,  is  under  the  curse  of  God. — Gal.  iii.  10. 
For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are  under  the 
curse. 

4.  Man,  by  the  fall,  is  made  liable  to  all  the  miseries  of 
this  life. — Job,  v.  7.     Man  is  born  unto  trouble,  as  the 
sparks  fly  upward. 

5.  Man,  by  the  fall,  is  made  liable  to  death. — Rom.  vi.  23. 
The  wages  of  sin  is  death. 

6.  Man,  by  the  fall,  is  made  liable  to  the  pains  of  hell. — 
Psal.  ix.  17.     The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and 
all  the  nations  that  forget  God. 

7.  The  pains  of  hell  shall  be  for  ever. — Isa.  xxxiii.  14. 
Who  among  us  shall  dwell  with  everlasting  burnings  ? 

• 
What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  ahove  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  wretchedness  of  that  state  into 
which  sin  has  brought  me,  lies  in  two  things : — First,  I 
have  lost  the  happiness  of  friendly  intercourse  with  God. 
Secondly,  I  am  brought  under  his  great  displeasure,  and 
a  sentence  to  punishment,  which  begins  to  be  carried  out 
against  me  in  the  pains  and  troubles  of  the  present  life, 
is  continued  in  the  agonies  of  death,  and,  if  fully  carried 
out,  will  subject  me  to  the  everlasting  pains  of  the  world 
to  come.  (2.)  That  all  the  miseries  in  life,  in  death,  and 
in  hell,  are  the  result  simply  of  sin,  which  may  thus  be 
seen  to  be  the  chief  of  evils,  and  never  should  be  thought 
of  as  a  trifling  matter  (S.)  That  my  first  care  should  be 
to  seek  to  be  set  free  from  sin,  and  from  all  its  just  but 
terrible  consequences.  (4.)  That  I  should  welcome,  and 
embrace  at  once,  the  offer  of  deliverance  through  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  (5.)  That  although  sorrow,  in  various 
forms,  comes  indiscriminately  upon  the  righteous  and  the 


58       MISERY  OF  MAN'S  STATE  BY  THE  FALL. 

wicked  in  this  life,  yet  the  Scriptures  teach  me  that  to 
the  righteous  these  sorrows  are  converted  into  fatherly 
chastisements  from  God,  tending  to  their  spiritual  good ; 
whereas,  to  the  wicked,  they  are  of  the  nature  of  punish- 
ment for  their  sins,  and  are  the  forerunners  of  eternal 
sorrow. 

What  Illustrations  may  be  given  ? 

1.  AN  AGED  CLERGYMAN,  when  preaching  in  New  England, 
some  few  years  since,  raising  his  voice  with  each  succeed- 
ing word,  and  bringing  down  his  clenched  hand  with 
amazing  force  upon  the  Bible  at  the  last  word  of  the  sen- 
tence, exclaimed — "A  deceitful,  wicked  man  is  not  fit  to 
serve  either  God,  man,  or  the  devil !"    Then,  after  a  pause, 
he  added,  "  And  I'll  tell  you  why.     He  is  not  fit  to  serve 
God,  because  he  is  unholy  ;  he  is  not  fit  to  serve  man,  be- 
cause he  is  deceitful ;  and  he  is  not  fit  to  serve  the  devil, 
because  he's  not  content  with  his  wages.      No,"  said  the 
old  man,   "  he's  not  content  with  his  wages.      No,  no,  my 
friends,  the  sinner  is  not  satisfied  with  the  wages  which 
the  devil  gives,  and  he  never  will  be — 'for  the  wages  of 
sin  is  death  /'   Sinners  !  sinners !  strike  for  higher  wages." 

2.  Mrs.  SUSAN  HUNTINGTON,  of  Boston,  in  a  letter  to  a 
friend,  thus  writes : — "  I  am  afraid  I  have  never  been 
brought  truly  to  submit  all  things  to  the  disposal  of  God, 
especially  to  submit  to  his  righteousness  in  the  condemna- 
tion of  sinners.     I  fear  I  have  never  yet  seen  aught  of  the 
dreadful  evil  of  sin,  and  that  this  is  the  source  of  the 
misgivings  I  sometimes  experience  as  to  its  just  desert  of 
eternal  punishment.     But  Jehovah  is,  I  know  he  is,  right- 
eous in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his  works ;    and  he 
has  said  that  the  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  where 
the    worm    dieth    not,    and    the    fire     shall    never    be 
quenched.'     Hush,    then,    every   murmuring,    doubting 
thought,  every  rebellious  discontented  feeling!     Oh,  for 
deeper  views  of  the  vileness,  the  exceeding  vilcness  of  sin— 


MISERY   OF   MAN'S    STATE   BY   THE   FALL.          59 

for  stronger  and  more  abiding  confidence  in  the  rectitude 
and  the  goodness  of  God!" 

3.  A  pious  member  of    Rev.    Mr.    James'   church,  in 
Birmingham,  amid  the  severe  sufferings  of  her  last  sick- 
ness, said  to  her  husband  : — "  I  could  not  have  thought 
that  any  one  could  have  suffered  so  much,  and  yet  live , 
and  if  God  inflicts  such  sufferings  upon  his  own  children, 
what  must  the  pains  of  hell  be  to  the  wicked!     O,  sin! 
sin !     Remember,  all  sorrow  and  suffering  are  the  fruits 
and  effects  of  sin.     I  cannot  think  what  the  wicked  do  an 
a  death-bed,  when  the  horrors  of  the  mind  are  added  to 
the  pains  of  the  body." 

4.  THE  MISERY  OF  THE  HEATHEN. — A  missionary,  speaking 
of  the    Hindoos,    says : — "  They  traverse    the    burning 
plains,  and  sandy  deserts,  and  fatal  jungles  of  Hindostan, 
for  thousands  of  miles,  measuring  their  way  through  mud 
and  water  by  the  length  of  their  bodies,  to  bathe  in  some 
sacred  stream,  with  the  vain  hope  of  washing  away  their 
«rins,  or  of  beholding  the  car  of  Juggernaut.     They  stretch 
themselves  on  planks  pierced  with  sharp  iron  spikes,  and 
there  lie  till  the  blood  oozes  from  every  pore.     They  sus- 
pend themselves  from  large  iron  hooks,  thrust  through 
the  muscles  of  the  back,  and  there  sometimes  hang  until 
life  is  extinct.     They  pierce  their  tongues  with  spears, 
and  are  led  about  for  hours  by  the  inserted  weapon.    Yet, 
after  enduring  all  these  modes  of  torture,  I  have  heard 
them  exclaim : — *  We  have  no  peace, — we  have  not  yet  found 
God, — where  is  he,  that  we  may  find  him  ?  " 

6.  Damocles  ascended  the  throne  of  Sicily  at  the  bid- 
ding of  the  tyrant  Dionysius ;  but  while  he  gazed  with 
delight  upon  the  splendor  and  wealth  that  surrounded 
him,  on  looking  up  he  perceived  a  sword  hanging  over 
his  head  by  a  single  hair — a  sight  that  filled  him  with 
terror,  and  made  all  his  expected  happiness  to  vanish. 
So  the  sword  of  God's  wrath  hangs  by  a  small  thread 


60  PLAN    OF   REDEMPTION. 

over  every  impenitent  and  careless  sinner,  and  should 
alarm  him,  and  lead  him  to  abandon  his  sinful  condition. 

OF  THE  SPECIAL  PROVIDENCE  OF  GOD  TOWARDS  MAN 
IN   REDEMPTION. 

Plan  of  Redemption. 
Q.  20.  DID  GOD  LEAVE  ALL  MANKIND  TO  PERISH  IN  THI 

ESTATE  OF  SIN  AND  MISERY  ? 

God  having  out  of  his  mere  good  pleasure,  frorr. 
all  eternity,  elected  some  to  everlasting  life,  did 
enter  into  a  covenant  of  grace,  to  deliver  them  out 
of  the  estate  of  sin  and  misery,  and  to  bring  them 
into  an  estate  of  salvation  by  a  Redeemer. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  1 

1.  God  has  ordained,  or  elected  some  men  to  everlasting 
life. — Acts,  xiii.  48.     As  many  as  were  ordained  to  eternal 
life,  believed. 

2.  God's  purpose  of  election  was  from  eternity. — Eph. 
i.  4.     According  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world. 

3.  The  election  of  God  is  the  result  of  his  own  good  pleas- 
ure.— Eph.  i.  5.     Having  predestinated  us  unto  the  adop- 
tion of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  himself,  according  to 
the  good  pleasure  of  his  will. 

4.  God  entered  into  a  covenant  of  grace  with  Christ  for 
the  elect. — Psal.  Ixxxix.  3.     I  have  made  a  covenant  with 
my  chosen. 

5.  The  people  of  God  are  by  Christ  delivered  out  of  their 
original  state  of  sin  and  misery. — Rom.  viii.  1.      There  is 
therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which  are  in 
Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh  but  after  the 
Spirit. 

6.  The  people  of  God,  by  Christ,  are  brought  into  a  state 
of  complete  salvation. — Rom.v.  18.     By  the  righteousness 
of  one,  the  free  gift  came  upon  all  men  unto  justification 
of  life. 


PLAN    OF   REDEMPTION.  61 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  God  is  so  merciful  that  he  does  not 
leave,  as  justly  he  might,  all  men  to  perish  in  their  state 
of  sinfulness,  but  has  ever  designed  to  save  some  of  them 
by  means  of  a  Redeemer :  has  not  only  determined  with 
himself  to  save,  by  Christ,  all  those  who  do  believe,  obey, 
and  perse  vere  unto  the  end,  but  has  also  appointed  who 
those  persons  shall  be,  that  he  will  cause  to  believe,  obey, 
and  persevere.  (2.)  That  the  plan  he  has  adopted  for  this 
end  is  called  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  because  the  safety 
and  happiness  thus  provided  are  not  in  the  least  degree 
deserved  by  any -man.  (3.)  I  am  to  understand  that  a 
Redeemer  is  one  who  frees  persons  from  punishment,  and 
brings  them  into  a  happy  condition,  by  suffering  the 
penalty  due  to  them,  or  performing  some  service  which 
they  were  not  in  a  condition  to  render.  (4.)  That  if  I  am 
saved,  I  shall  be  altogether  indebted  to  the  compassion 
and  grace  of  God,  against  whom  I  have  sinned,  having 
no  right  to  salvation,  but  being  exposed  justly,  for  my 
sins,  to  everlasting  misery.  (5.)  That  God  did  not  elect 
or  choose  any  because  he  foresaw  that  they  would  believe 
in  Christ,  and  persevere  in  religion ;  but  the  true  doc- 
trine is,  that  those  who  believe  and  persevere,  do  so  be- 
cause God  had  chosen  them  to  salvation,  and  therefore 
inclined  and  enabled  them  to  enter  upon  and  pursue  the 
Christian  life.  Their  faith  and  holy  life  were  not  the 
cause  of  election,  but  the  result  of  it. 

How  may  these  Doctrines  be  Illustrated  ? 

1.  A  pious  old  woman,  in  Albany,  once  remarked,  con- 
cerning the  doctrine  of  predestination,   "  Ah,  I  have  long 
settled  that  point,  for  if  God  had  not  chosen  me  before  I 
was  born,  I  am  sure  he  would  have  seen  nothing  in  me 
afterward,  to  have  chosen  me  for." 

2.  JONATHAN  EDWARDS. — "From  my  childhood  up,"  says 

6 


62  PLAN    OF   REDEMPTION. 

he,  "my  mind  had  been  full  of  objections  against  the 
doctrines  of  God's  sovereignty,  in  choosing  whom  he  would 
to  eternal  life,  and  rejecting  whom  he  pleased,  leaving 
them  eternally  to  perish,  and  be  everlastingly  tormented 
in  hell.  It  used  to  appear  a  horrible  doctrine  to  me.  But 
I  remember  the  time  very  well,  when  I  seemed  to  be  con- 
vinced and  fully  satisfied  as  to  this  sovereignty  of  God, 
and  his  justice  in  thus  eternally  disposing  of  men  accord- 
ing to  his  sovereign  pleasure.  But  I  never  could  give 
an  account  how,  or  by  what  means,  I  was  thus  convinced ; 
not  in  the  least  imagining  at  the  time  that  there  was  any 
extraordinary  influence  of  God's  Spirit  in  it.  However, 
my  mind  rested  in  it;  and  it  put  an  end  to  all  these  cavils 
and  objections." 

3.  A  UNIVERSALIST  MINISTER  was  travelling,  and,  agree- 
ably  to  a  notice  sent  on,   preached  in  a  certain  place 
the  Doctrine  of  Universal  Salvation.     After  the  sermon, 
he  informed  his  hearers  that  he  should  be  that  way  on 
his  return,  at  such  a  time,  and,  if  they  desired  it,  he 
would  preach  again.     ISTo  one  replied  till  he  had  twice 
repeated  the  statement.    At  last,  an  old  Friend,  in  the 
back  part  of  the  congregation,  rose,  and  said,   "  If  thee 
hast  told  the  truth  this  time,  we  do  not  need  thee  any 
more,  and  if  thee  hast  told  us  a  lie,  we  do  not  want  thee 
any  mqpe" — an  answer  which,  although  somewhat  gro- 
tesque, was  yet  very  much  to  the  purpose. 

4.  A  certain  individual  said  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Nettleton, 
"I  cannot   get   along  with    the    doctrine  of    election." 
"Then,"   said  he,   "get  along  without  it.     You  are  at 
liberty  to    get    to    heaven    the    easiest  way  you    can. 
Whether  the  doctrine  of  election  is  true  or  not,  it  is  true 
that  you  must  repent,  and  believe,  and  love  God.     Now, 
what  we  tell  you  is,  that  such  is  the  wickedness  of  your 
heart,  that  you  never  will  do  these  things,  unless  God  has 
determined  to  renew  your  heart.     If  you  do  not  believe 


PERSON  AND  CHARACTER  OF  THE  REDEEMER.   63 

that  your  heart  is  so  wicked,  make  it  manifest  by  com- 
plying with  the  terms  of  salvation.  Why  do  you  stand 
cavilling  with  the  doctrine  of  election  ?  Suppose  you 
should  prove  it  to  be  false ;  what  have  you  gained  ?  You 
must  repent  and  believe  in  Christ  after  all.  Why  do  you 
not  immediately  comply  with  these  terms  of  the  gospel  ? 
When  you  have  done  this,  without  the  aids  of  divine 
grace,  it  will  be  soon  enough  to  oppose  the  doctrine  of 
election.  Until  you  shall  have  done  this,  we  shall  still 
believe  that  the  doctrine  of  election  lies  at  the  foundation 
of  all  hope  in  your  case." 

5.  To  a  man,  who  manifested  great  opposition  to  the 
doctrine  of  election,  he  once  said,  "If  I  should  go  to 
heaven,  I  feel  as  if  I  should  wish  to  say,  in  the  language 
of  the  apostle,  '  Who  hath  saved  us  and  called  us  with 
an  holy  calling ;  not  according  to  our  works,  but  accord- 
ing to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  were  given  us  in 
Christ  Jesus,  before  the  world  began.'  Now,  if  we  should 
meet  in  heaven,  and  I  should  make  use  of  this  language, 
will  you  quarrel  with  me  there  ?" 

The  Person  and  Character  of  the  Redeemer. 

Q.  21.  WHO  is  THE  REDEEMER  OF  GOD'S  ELECT  ? 

The  only  Redeemer  of  God's  elect  is  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who,  being  the  eternal  Son  of  God, 
became  man,  and  so  was,  and  continueth  to  be, 
God  and  man,  in  two  distinct  natures,  and  one  per- 
son for  ever. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  answer  ? 

1.  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  is  the  Redeemer  of  his  people. 
— Gal.  iv.  i.  5.  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  a  woman, 
made  under  the  law,  to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the 
law. 


64   PERSON  AND  CHARACTER  OF  THE  REDEEMER 

2.  Christ  is  the  only  Redeemer  of  man. — Acts,  iv.   12. 
Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other. 

3.  Christ  is  the  Son  of  God.— I  John,  v.  20.     We  know 
that  the  Son  of  God  is  come. 

4.  Christ  is  the  eternal  Son  of  God. — Heb.  i.  8.     Unto 
the  Son,  he  saith,  Thy  throne,  0  God,  is  for  ever  and 
ever. 

5.  Christ  became  man. — Heb.  ii.  16.      He  took  not  on 
him  the  nature  of  angels :  but  he  took  on  him  the  seed  of 
Abraham. 

6.  Christ  is  both  God  and  man.— I  Tim.  iii.  16.      And 
without  controversy,  great  is  the  mystery  of  godliness : 
God  was  manifest  in  the  flesh. 

7.  Christ  possesses  the  natures  of  God  and  man  in  one 
person. — Col.  ii.  9.     For  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of 
the  Godhead  bodily. 

8.  Christ  will  continue  to  be  both  God  and  man  for  ever. — 
Heb.  vii.  24.     But  this  man,  because  he  continueth  ever, 
hath  an  unchangeable  priesthood. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  the  only  Redeemer  of  those  whom 
God  has  chosan  to  bring  to  heaven,  is  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who,  having  always  been  the  Son  of  God,  at  the 
appointed  and  proper  time  also  became  man,  and  so  was, 
and  continues  to  be,  and  ever  will  be,  God  and  man, — the 
divine  and  human  natures  not  being  mixed,  but  merely 
united,  so  as  to  form  one  person.  Each  nature  retains  its 
own  properties ;  those  of  the  one  nature  are  not  to  be 
ascribed  to  the  other  nature,  but  those  of  both  belong 
alike  to  the  person  of  Christ,  the  Redeemer.  (2.)  That 
God  the  Son  has  greatly  humbled  himself  by  this  union 
to  the  man  Jesus,  for  the  purpose  of  saving  me  and  other 
sinners,  and  that  the  wonderful  and  altogether  singular 
constitution  of  his  person  is  worthy  of  my  deepest  study 
and  worship.  Hence,  I  learn  (8.)  The  great  error  of  those 
professed  Christians  who  assert  that  Jesus  is  not  God,  but 
a  man  only,  or  at  best  possessed  of  some  higher  nature 
than  the  human,  though  still  lower  than  that  of  the 


PERSON  AND  CHARACTER  OF  THE  REDEEMER.  65 

Supreme  God.  (4.)  That  my  natural  state  is  that  of 
slavery — to  sin — to  the  world — to  Satan — to  death  and 
hell,  from  all  which  to  deliver  me  the  blessed  Saviour, 
God-man,  gave  his  own  life  as  a  ransom,  or  price  of  re- 
demption. Finally,  that  I  am  under  the  most  pressing 
obligations  to  free  myself  from  that  degrading  slavery,  by 
accepting  gratefully  and  ardently  of  the  deliverance  which 
the  Redeemer  has  thus  provided  for  sinners. 

What  Illustrations  are  at  hand  ? 

At  a  weekly  meeting  for  religious  conversation,  some 
South  Sea  Island  converts  (as  Rev.  John  Williams  informs 
us)  thus  talked  with  each  other  concerning  Christ :  "  Give 
us  some  other  proof  that  he  was  God,"  said  another.  "  The 
various  miracles  that  he  wrought,"  was  the  reply.  "But 
did  not  Peter  and  all  the  apostles  work  miracles  ?"  "Yes, 
but  they  did  their  miracles  with  borrowed  power;  and 
when  they  returned,  did  they  not  tell  Jesus  that  they  did 
all  in  his  name,  and  not  in  their  own  ?"  Another  said, 
"  Is  not  the  star  that  led  the  wise  men  from  the  East  a 
proof  of  the  divinity  of  Jesus  ?"  "  But,  if  really  God, 
would  he  have  been  laid  in  a  manger  ?"  "  Yes,  said  an- 
other, for  did  he  not  humble  himself  and  lay  aside  his 
glory  as  God  ?  If  he  had  come  in  his  glory,  would  not 
man  have  exceedingly  feared  ?  We  know  what  Moses 
said."  Another  said,  "He  believed  he  was  God,  because 
he  said,  '  I  and  my  Father  are  one ;  and  I  am  the  Alpha 
and  Omega,  the  First  and  the  Last.' "  Another  believed 
it  "  because  he  is  to  judge  the  world,  and  must  therefore 
be  God."  Another  said,  "  He  himself  has  promised,  where 
two  or  three  are  met  in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the 
midst  of  them,  and  I  will  be  with  you  always  even  to  the 
end  of  the  world.'  Now,  how  can  he  fulfil  these  prom- 
ises? While  we  are  gathered  here  to  worship  and  pray, 
6* 


66      THE   REDEEMER  ASSUMING   HUMAN   NATURE. 

others  are  gathered  in  distant  lands — some  in  Britain ', 
and  how  can  he  be  with  them  all  if  he  is  not  God  ?" 

The  Redeemer  assuming  Human  Nature. 
Q.  22.  How  DID  CHRIST,  BEING  THE  SON  OF  GOD,  BECOME  MAN  ? 

Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  became  man,  by  taking 
to  himself  a  true  body,  and  a  reasonable  soul, 
being  conceived,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
in  the  womb  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  and  born  of  her, 
yet  without  sin. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Christ  took, to  himself  a  true  body. — John,  i.  14.    The 
Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us. 

2.  Christ  took  to  himself  a  reasonable  soul. — Matt.  xxvi. 
38.     My  soul  is  exceedingly  sorrowful,  even  unto  death. 

3.  Christ  was  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
— Luke,  i.  35.     The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come  upon  thee,  and 
the  power  of  the  highest  shall  overshadow  thee. 

4.  Christ  was  born   of  the   Virgin   Mary. — LuJce,  ii.  7. 
And  she  brought  forth  her  first-born  son,  and  wrapped 
him  in  swaddling-clothes,  and  laid  him  in  a  manger. 

5.  Christ  was  born    and   continued   to  be  without  sin. — 
Ileb.  iv.  15.     But  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are, 
yet  without  sin. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  The  mysterious  greatness  of  the  God-man, 
Christ  Jesus.  (2.)  His  unsullied  holiness,  and  my  obli- 
gation to  imitate  his  holiness.  (3.)  His  full  ability  to 
atone  for  my  sins,  having  no  sins  of  his  own  to  suffer  for, 
and  having  a  divine  nature  to  give  infinite  value  to  the 
sufferings  of  which  his  human  nature  made  him  capable. 

What  Illustration  can  you  add  ? 

CONVERSATION  BETWEEN  CONVERTED  SOUTH  SEA  ISLANDERS. 
— The  excellent  missionary,  Rev.  John  "Williams,  relates 


THE    OFFICES    OF   THE   REDEEMER.  67 

the  following  conversation  on  the  Divinity  of  Christ,  which 
took  place  in  his  presence  at  a  weekly  meeting  for  religious 
inquiry.  "  I  firmly  believe,"  said  the  first  speaker,  "  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  God  as  well  as  man."  "  Are  you  not  mis- 
taken ?"  was  the  reply,"  was  not  Jesus  man,  and  man  only?" 
"I  believe,"  rejoined  the  first,  "that  Jesus  was  really 
man,  for  he  had  both  the  body  and  soul  of  man  ;  but  he 
was  God  as  well  as  man,  for  he  took  on  himself  the  form 
of  man.  If  he  had  been  only  man  he  could  not  have  died 
for  sinners."  "Is  not  that  a  proof,"  said  another,  "  that 
he  is  not  God?  If  God,  why  die?"  First  speaker:  "His 
dying  only  proves  him  to  be  man ;  his  rising  again  proves 
him  to  be  God."  "And  if,"  added  another,  "he  was  only 
man,  why  so  much  ado  about  his  death?  Many  have 
died  cruel  deaths :  Paul  was  beheaded,  and  Peter  was  cruci- 
fied, but  there  is  not  so  much  said  about  their  deaths.** 
"Ah,  but,"  rejoined  another,  "Tuihe  died  among  us,  and 
there  was  a  great  ado  about  his  death — what  he  said,  and 
how  happy  he  died."  "  But  stop,"  cried  one,  "  did  the 
sun  hide  himself  in  darkness  at  Tuihe's  death  ?  Did  the 
rocks  rend  at  Tuihe's  death  ?"  "  But  did  not  Jesus  eat 
food  while  on  earth,  and  will  God  eat  food  ?"  "  I  say," 
was  the  answer,  "  he  was  man  as  well  as  God,  therefore 
did  he  eat  food." 

The  Offices  of  the  Redeemer. 

Q.  23.  WHAT  OFFICES  DOTH  CHRIST  EXECUTE  AS  OUR  RE- 
DEEMER ? 

Christ,  as  our  Redeemer,  exeeuteth  the  offices  of 
a  prophet,  of  a  priest,  and  of  a  king,  both  in  his 
estate  of  humiliation  and  exaltation. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Christ  is  the  prophet  of  his  people. — John,  vi.  14.  This 
is  of  a  truth  that  prophet  that  should  come  into  the 
world, 


68  THE    OFFICES    OF    THE*  REDEEMER. 

2.  Christ  is  ttie  Priest  of  his  people. — Psal.  ex.  4.     Thou 
art  a  priest  for  ever  after  the  order  of  Melchizedek. 

3.  Christ  is  the  King  of  his  people. — Matt.  xxi.  5.     Tell 
ye  the  daughter  of  Sion,  Behold,  thy  King  cometh  unto 
thee,  meek,  and  sitting  upon  an  ass,  and  a  colt  the  foal  of 
an  ass. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  Christ,  the  Anointed  of  God,  redeems 
us,  by  acting  as  a  teacher,  as  an  offerer  of  sacrifice  and 
intercession,  and  as  a  ruler  and  protector,  not  only  during 
his  humble  condition  while  he  dwelt  amongst  men,  but 
also  ever  since  he  returned  to  his  high  and  glorious  state 
in  heaven.  (2.)  I  owe  him  unbounded  confidence  and 
love  in  these  relations,  of  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King. 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  Many  years  ago,  at  an  assemblage  of  ministers, 
the  late  Dm  Mason  and  Channing  were  present.  The 
latter  was  strongly  suspected — rather  more  than  sus- 
pected— of  Unitarian  tendencies,  and  some  degree  of 
confident  challenging  had  already  taken  place.  "Dr. 
C.,"  said  Dr.  M.  to  him,  "  may  I  ask  how  long  you 
have  been  in  the  ministry  ?"  "  Eleven  years,"  was  the 
reply.  "May  I  ask  you  once  more,  sir,  what  are  your 
views  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?"  There  was  a  little  hesi- 
tation and  flush,  and  the  reply,  "  I  have  pondered  the 
subject  deeply,  but  have  not  exactly  made  up  my  mind." 
Lifting  up  both  hands  in  holy  amazement,  and  with  deep 
emotion,  Dr.  M.  ejaculated — "  What !  eleven  years  a 
preacher  of  the  gospel,  and  not  know  what  to  think  of 
Jesus  Christ  1" 

CLEMENTINE  CUVIER. — This  lovely,  honored,  and  accom- 
plished young  lady,  says,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  "  I  want 
to  tell  you  how  happy  I  am :  my  heart  has  at  length  felt 
what  my  mind  has  long  understood.  The  sacrifice  of 
Christ  answers  to  all  the  wishes,  and  meets  all  the  wants  of 


THE    PROPHETICAL    OFFICE    OF    CHRIST.  69 

my  soul ;  and  since  I  have  been  enabled  to  embrace  with 
ardor  all  its  provisions,  my  heart  enjoys  a  sweet  and  in- 
comparable tranquillity.  Formerly,  I  vaguely  assured 
myself  that  a  merciful  God  would  pardon  me  ;  but  now  I 
feel  that  I  have  obtained  that  pardon ;  that  I  obtain  it 
every  moment ;  and  I  experience  inexpressible  delight  in 
seeking  it  at  the  foot  of  the  cross." 

The  Prophetical  Office  of  Christ. 
Q.  24.  How  DOTH  CHRIST  EXECUTE  THE  OFFICE  OF  A  PROPHET  ? 

Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  prophet,  in  re- 
vealing to  us,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  the  will  of 
God  for  our  salvation. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Christ,  as  the  Prophet  of  his  people,  makes  known  to 
them  the  will  of  God. — John,  xv.   15.     All  things  that  I 
have  heard  of  rny  Father,  I  have  made  known  unto  you. 

2.  Christ  reveals  the  will  of  God  by  his  Word. — 2  Cor.  v. 
19.     God  was  in  Christ,  reconciling  the  world  unto  him- 
self, not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them ;  and  hath 
committed  unto  us  the  word  of  reconciliation. 

3.  Christ  reveals  the  will  of  God  by  his  Spirit. — John,  xiv. 
26.     But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom 
the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall  teach  you  all 
things. 

4.  The  purpose  for  which  Christ  reveals  to  men  the  will 
of  God  is  their  eternal  salvation. — John,  xx.  31.     These  are 
written,  that  ye  might  believe  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ, 
the  Son  of  God ;  and  that  believing  ye  might  have  life 
through  his  name. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  Christ  makes  known  to  me  outwardly, 
by  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  inwardly,  by  the  workings 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  whatever  God  would  have  me  know, 


70  THE  PROPHETICAL   OFFICE   OF  CHRIST. 

believe,  and  do,  in  order  to  the  religious  safety  and  com- 
fort of  my  soul.  Therefore  (2.)  It  becomes  me  to  prize 
more  highly  the  Scriptures  of  divine  truth,  and  to  en- 
courage and  follow  the  workings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in 
my  soul,  tending  to  my  salvation  and  comfort.  It  be- 
comes me,  also,  to  confess  to  Christ  my  great  negligence 
and  disobedience  concerning  the  ways  of  salvation  which 
he  has  so  kindly  made  known  to  me,  and  so  wonderfully 
urged  upon  my  hearty  attention. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  I 

1.  In  a  letter  to  Dr.  Ryland,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Pierce, 
of  Birmingham,  thus  writes : — "  I  have   never  felt    so 
deeply  my  need  of  a  Divine  Redeemer,  and  seldom  pos- 
sessed such  solid  confidence  that  he  is  mine.    I  want  more 
and  more  to  become  a  little  child,  to  dwindle  into  nothing 
in  my  own  esteem,  to  renounce  my  own  wisdom,  power, 
and  goodness,  and  simply  look  to,  and  live  upon  Jesus 
for  all.9 

2.  THE  DIVINE   ENCYCLOPEDIA. — "  The  Bible  is  a  divine 

t 

encyclopedia  in  itself.  It  contains  history  the  most  au- 
thentic and  ancient,  tracing  it  back  to  the  first  creation 
of  our  world ;  and  prophecy,  the  most  important  and  in- 
teresting, traced  forward  to  its  final  consummation ; 
journeys,  surpassing  all  others  in  the  marvellousness  of 
their  adventures  and  the  dignity  of  their  guide,  for  they 
were  marked  by  miracles  at  every  step,  and  in  every 
movement  directed  by  God ;  the  travels  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished missionaries,  the  first  preachers  of  the  gospel ; 
and  the  lives  of  the  most  illustrious  personages,  including 
the  biography  of  the  Son  of  God ;  events-  more  wonderful 
than  romance  ever  imagined,  and  stories  more  fascinating 
than  fancy  ever  sketched  ;  the  finest  specimens  of  poetry 
and  eloquence — of  sound  philosophy  and  solid  argument ; 
models  of  virtue  the  most  attractive,  and  maxims  of  wisdom 
the  most  profound ;  prayers,  the  most  appropriate  in  every 


CHRIST'S  PRIESTLY  OFFICE.  71 

variety  of  spiritual  experience,  and  songs  of  praise  that 
would  not  be  unworthy  an  angel's  tongue;  precepts  of 
unparalleled  importance,  and  parables  of  unrivalled 
beauty ;  examples  of  consistent  piety,  suited  to  every 
situation ;  and  lessons  of  divine  instruction,  adapted  to 
every  age." — White.  ^ 

Christ's  Priestly  Office. 
Q.    25.    How  DOTH   CHRIST    EXECUTE    THE    OFFICE  OF  A 

PRIEST  ? 

Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  priest,  in  his  once 
offering  up  himself  a  sacrifice  to  satisfy  divine 
justice,  and  reconcile  us  to  God ;  and  in  making 
continual  intercession  for  us. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Christ  as  our  Priest  offered  himself  in  sacrifice  to  God. 
— Heb.  ix.  26      In  the  end  of  the  world  hath  he  appeared 
to  put  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself. 

2.  Christ  as  our  Priest  only  once  offered  himself  to  God. 
— Heb.  vii.  27,     This  he  did  once,  when  he  offered  up  him- 
self. 

3.  Christ  as  our  Priest  offered  himself  to  satisfy  divine 
justice  for  our  sins. — 1  John,  ii,  2.     He  is  the  propitiation 
for  our  sins. 

4.  Christ  offered  up  himself  to  reconcile  us  to  God.—Eph. 
ii.  16.     That  he  might  reconcile  both  unto  God  in  one 
body  by  the  cross,  having  slain  the  enmity  thereby. 

5.  Christ  as  our  Priest  makes  continual  intercession  for 
us. — Heb.  vii.  25.     He  ever  liveth  to   make  intercession 
for  them. 

What  Lesson  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  Christ,  as  my  great  High  Priest,  has 
given  himself— his  human  body  and  soul — once  to  death, 
as  an  offering  for  me,  or  in  my  place ;  (2.)  That  he  might 


72 

pay  all  that  divine  justice  could  claim  in  the  way  of  pun 
ishment,  or  suffering,  for  my  sins  ;  and  (3.)  That  he  might 
bring  me  into  a  state  of  friendship  with  God,  and  hearty 
devotion  to  his  service. 

As  a  Priest  also,  he  ever  prays  for  me,  that  through  the 
merit  of  his  death  in  my  behalf,  I  may  have  pardon,  holi- 
ness, and  everlasting  life,  and  may  be  accepted  in  the 
worship  and  service  which  I  render  to  God,  in  his  name. 

Hence,  I  learn  (2.)  To  depend  exclusively  on  the  death  of 
Christ,  as  a  sufficient  sacrifice,  and  not  upon  my  own  re- 
ligious acts  or  feelings,  for  salvation. 

I  learn,  also,  that  I  need  not  the  intercession  of  angels, 
or  of  any  saints  in  heaven,  since  that  of  Christ  alone  is 
perfectly  sufficient,  »and  alone  availing  and  constant. 

What  Illustrations  do  you  offer  ? 

1.  The  sight   of  Caesar's    bloody    robe    incensed    the 
Romans  against  them  that  slew  him.     So  (says  Thomas 
Watson)  the  sight  of  Christ's  bleeding  body  should  in- 
cense us  against  sin. 

2.  When  Esculus  was  accused  for  some  act  of  impiety 
(says  the  same  author),  his  brother  stood  up  for  him,  and 
showed  the  magistrates  how  he  had  lost  his  hand  in  the 
service  of  the  State,  and  so  obtained  his  pardon.     Thus, 
when  the  justice  of  God  lays  anything  to  the  charge  of 
saints,  Christ  shows  his  own  wounds,  and  by  virtue  of 
his  blood  shed  on  the  cross,  he  answers  all  the  demands 
of  the  violated  law. 

3.  THE  CHILD  AND  THE  QUEKN. — The  gardener  of  Eliza- 
beth (consort  of  Frederick  II.),  had  one  little  daughter, 
with  whose    religious    instruction    he   had  taken  great 
pains.     When  she  was  five  years  old,  the  Queen  met  her 
one  day,  and  was  so  much  pleased  with  her  that  a  short 
time  after,  the  artless  child,  at  the  Queen's  request,  was 
brought  to  the  palace     She  approached  the  Queen  with 


CHRIST'S  KINGLY  OFFICE.  73 

intaught  courtesy,  kissed  her  robe,  and  modestly  took  her 
seat,  which  had  been  placed  for  her,  by  the  Queen's  order, 
near  her  own  person.  From  this  position  she  could  over- 
look the  table  at  which  the  Queen  was  dihing  with  the 
ladies  of  the  Court,  and  they  watched  with  interest  to 
see  the  effect  of  so  much  splendor  on  the  simple  child. 
She  looked  carelessly  on  the  costly  dresses  of  the  guests, 
the  gold  and  porcelain  on  the  table,  and  the  pomp  with 
which  all  was  conducted,  and  then  folding  her  hands,  she 
sang,  with  her  clear,  childish  voice,  these  words : — 

44  Jesus,  thy  blood  and  righteousness 

Are  all  ray  ornament  and  dress ; 
Fearless,  with  these  pure  garments  on, 
I'll  view  the  splendor  of  thy  throne. 

All  the  assembly  were  struck  with  surprise  at  seeing  s<y 
much  feeling,   penetration,  and  piety,  in  one  so  young., 
Tears  filled  the  eyes  of  the  ladies,  and  the  Queen  ex 
claimed:  "Ah,   happy  child!     how  far    are   we  below 

you !" 

Christ's  Kingly    Office. 
Q.  26.  How  DOTH  CHRIST  EXECUTE  THE  OFFICE  OF  A  KING  ? 

Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  king,  in  subduing 
us  to  himself,  in  ruling  and  defending  us,  and  in 
restraining  and  conquering  all  his  and  our  enemies. 
What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Christ  as  a  King  subdues  his  people  to  himself. — Psal. 
ex.  3.     Thy  people  shall  be  willing  in  the  day  of  thy 
power. 

2.  Christ  as  a  King  rules  his  people. — Isa.  xxxiii.  22. 
The  Lord  is  our  law-giver,  the  Lord  is  our  King ;  he  will 
save  us. 

3.  Christ  as  a  King  defends  his  people. — Psal.  Ixxxix.  18. 
The  Lord  is  our  defence ;  and  tne  holy  One  of  Israel  is 
our  King. 

7 


74  CHRIST'S  KINGLY  OFFICE. 

4.  Christ  as  a  King  restrains  the  enemies  of  his  people. — 
PsaL  Ixxvi.  10.  The  wrath  of  man  shall  praise  thee  ;  the 
remainder  of  wrath  shalt  thou  restrain. 

6.  Christ  as  a  King  will  at  last  destroy  all  his  enemies. — 
1  Cor.  xv.  25.  He  must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies 
under  his  feet. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  To  submit  myself  to  Christ  as  my  Supreme 
Ruler,  to  trust  in  him  as  my  great  Protector  and  Guardian, 
and  to  honor  him  as  such.  (2.)  To  endeavor  to  bring 
others  to  cease  from  rebelling  against  his  rightful  author- 
ity, and  from  resisting  his  gracious  endeavors  to  make 
them  good  and  to  do  them  good.  (3.)  That  those  who 
continue  enemies  to  Christ  must  be  overthrown,  and  that 
his  friends  have  occasion  to  rejoice  in  their  own  safety 
and  permanent  happiness. 

What  Illustrations  have  you  to  give  ? 

1.  THEODOSIUS  THE  EMPEROR. — Worldly  persons  often  look 
with  a  sort  of  contempt  upon  Christians  for  their  piety, 
but  without  cause,  for  they  are  engaged  in  the  service  of 
him  who  is  KING  OF  KINGS,  and  thus  enjoy  a  high  honor. 
Theodosius  himself  said  that  he  regarded  it  as  a  greater 
honor  to  be  a  servant  of  Christ,  than  to  be  the  head  of  the 
Roman  empire. 

2.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Watson  shrewdly  asks, — "Have 
earthly  kings  their  image  stamped  upon  the  public  coin  ? 
but  doth  not  Christ,  as  King,  do  a  greater  thing  than  that, 
in  causing  his  image  to  be  drawn  upon  the  heart  of  every 
one  of  his  subjects?     Is  it  not  also  the  prerogative  of  this 
King  above  all,  to  engrave  his  laws  upon  the  hearts  of 
his  subjects,  and  to  rule  his  voluntary  subjects  by  hia 
laws?" 

3.  In  a  missionary  speech,  an   old    native  convert  of 
Rarotonga,  among  other  things,  observed:  "I  have  lived 


HIS    STATE    OF    HUMILIATION.  75 

during  the  reign  of  four  kings.  In  the  first  I  was  but 
young ;  we  were  continually  at  war,  and  a  fearful  season 
it  was ;  watching  and  hiding  with  fear  were  all  our  en- 
gagements. During  the  reign  of  the  second,  we  were 
overtaken  with  a  severe  famine,  and  all  expected  to 
perish.  *******  During  the  third, 
we  were  conquered,  and  became  the  prey  of  two  other 
settlements  in  the  island ;  then  if  a  man  went  to  fish  he 
rarely  ever  returned,  or  if  a  woman  went  any  distance  to 
fetch  food,  she  was  rarely  ever  seen  again.  *  *  * 
*  *  *  *  But,  during  the  reign  of  this  third  king, 
we  were  visited  by  another  king — a  great  king — a  good 
king — a  powerful  king — a  king  of  love — Jesus,  the  Lord 
from  heaven.  He  has  gained  the  victory — he  has  con- 
quered our  hearts ;  we  are  all  his  subjects  ;  therefore  we 
now  have  peace  and  plenty  in  this  world,  and  hope  soon 
to  dwell  with  him  in  heaven." 

THE   STATES    IN   WHICH    THE    REDEEMER    PERFORMED 
HIS    THREE-FOLD    OFFICE. 

His  State  of  Humiliation. 
Q.  27.  WHEREIN  DID  CHRIST'S  HUMILIATION  CONSIST? 

Christ's  humiliation  consisted  in  his  being  born, 
and  that  in  a  low  condition,  made  under  the  law, 
undergoing  the  miseries  of  this  life,  the  wrath  of 
God,  and  the  cursed  death  of  the  cross ;  in  being 
buried  and  continuing  under  the  power  of  death 
for  a  time. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Christ  humbled  himself  by  becoming  man. — Phil,  ii 
6,  7.  Who,  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not 


76  HIS   STATE    OF   HUMILIATION. 

robbery  to  be  equal  with  God:  but  made  himself  of  no 
reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and 
was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men. 

2.  Christ,   in  becoming  man,   humbled  himself  by  being 
born  a  child. — Luke,  i.  85.     That  Holy  thing  which  shall 
be  born  of  thee,  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God. 

3.  Christ  humbled  himself  by  being  born  in  a  low  condition. 
Luke,  ii.   7.     She  brought  forth  her  first-born  son,   and 
wrapped  him  in  swaddling-clothes,   and    laid  him  in  a 
manger. 

4.  Christ  humbled  himself  by  submitting  to  be  made  under 
the  law. — Gal.  iv.  4.     God  sent  forth  his  Son.  made  of  a 
woman,  made  under  the  law. 

5.  Christ  humbled  himself  by  enduring  the  miseries  of  life. 
— Isa.  liii,  3.     He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men ;  a  man 
of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief. 

6.  Christ  humbled  himself  by  enduring  the  wrath  of  God 
in  our  stead. — Mat.  xxvii.  46.      Jesus  cried  with  a  loud 
voice,  saying,  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken 
me? 

7.  Christ  humbled  himself  by  submitting  to  the  cursed  death 
of  the  cross. — Phil.  ii.  8.     He  humbled  himself  and  be- 
came obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 

8.  Christ  humbled  himself  by  submitting  to  be  buried — 
Luke,  xxiii.   53.      He  took  it  down,  and  wrapped  it  in 
linen,  and  laid  it  in  a  sepulchre  that  was  hevrn  in  stone. 

9.  Christ  humbled  himself  by  remaining  in  the  grave  for  a 
tim€, — Mat.  xii.  40.     As  Jonas  was  three  days  and  three 
nights  in  the  whale's  belly ;  so  shall  the  feoii  of  man  be 
three  days  and  three  nights  in  the  heart  of  the  earth. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  How  much  I  owe  to  Christ  for  the  amazing 
love  which  urged  him  so  to  humble  himself  for  us  sinners 
— enemies  to  God,  and  unworthy  of  his  favor.  (2.)  How 
great  an  evil  our  sins  are,  which  required  such  unusual 
sacrifices  from  Christ,  on  our  account.  (3.)  The  duty  of 
hating  and  forsaking  all  my  sins,  as  this  was  the  result 
which  Christ  had  in  view,  when  enduring  so  much  degra- 
dation and  suffering  from  wicked  men.  and  from  God  as 
Moral  Governor  of  the  world. 


HIS    STATE    OF    HUMILIATION.  77 

What  Illustrations  may  be  given  1 

1.    THE   LITTLE    SUNDAY-SCHOOL   GIRL. 

'*  MAMMA,"  a  little  maiden  said, 
Almost  with  her  expiring  sigh, 
'-  Put  no  sweet  roses  round  my  head, 
When  in  my  coffin-dress  I  lie." 

*'  Why  not,  my  dear  ?"  the  mother  said, 
"  What  flower  so  well  a  corpse  adorns  ?" 

"  Mamma,"  the  innocent  replied, 
u  They  crowned  our  Saviour's  head  with  thorns." 

JAMBS  MONTGOMERY 

2.  AN  INDIAN'S  GIFT  TO  CHRIST. — In  a  portion  of  t'ne 
Southern  territory,  from  which  the  red  man  has  now  been 
driven,  at  a  protracted  meeting,  held  in  the  wild  forest, 
the  subject  of  "  Christ  and  him  Crucified"  was  illustrated 
with  surpassing  beauty  and  grandeur.  The  preacher 
spoke  of  the  good  Shepherd,  who  came  into  the  world  to 
seek  and  to  save  the  lost.  He  drew  a  picture  of  Geth- 
semane,  and  the  unbefriended  stranger  who  wept  there. 
He  told  of  the  rude  bufferings  which  he  met  from  the 
heartless  soldiers.  He  pointed  to  Him  as  he  hung  bleed- 
ing on  the  cross.  The  congregation  wept.  Soon  there 
was  a  slight  movement  in  the  assembly,  and  a  tall  son  of 
the  forest,  with  tears  on  his  red  cheeks,  approached  the 
pulpit  and  said:  "Did  Jesus  die  for  me — die  for  poor 
Indian  ?  Me  have  no  lands  to  give  to  Jesus,  the  white 
man  take  them  away:  me  give  him  my  dog  and  my 
rifle."  The  minister  told  him  Jesus  could  not  accept  these 
gifts.  "  Me  give  Jesus  my  dog,  my  rifle,  and  my  blanket ; 
poor  Indian,  he  got  no  more  to  give — he  give  Jesus  all." 
The  minister  replied  that  Jesus  could  not  accept  them. 
The  poor,  ignorant,  but  generous  child  of  the  forest,  bent 
his  head  in  sorrow,  and  meditated.  He  raised  his  noble 
brow  once  more,  and  fixed  his  eye  on  the  preacher,  while 
he  sobbed  out,  "  Here  is  poor  Indian,  will  Jesus  have  him  ?" 
A  thrill  of  unutterable  joy  ran  through  the  souls  of  min- 
7* 


78          OF  CHRIST'S  STATE  OF  EXALTATION. 

ister  and  people,  as  this  fierce  son  of  the  wilderness  now 
sat,  in  his  right  mind,  at  the  feet  of  Jesus.  The  Spirit 
had  done  his  work,  and  he  who  had  been  so  poor,  received 
the  earnest  of  his  inheritance. 

3.  THE  TWO-FOLD  NATURE  OF  CHRIST. — At  the  grave  of 
Lazarus,  He  weeps  like  a  man !  and  then  says,  "  Come 
forth,"  like  a  God  I  Approaching  the  barren  fig-tree,  he 
hungers,  like  a  man!  And  then,  with  a  word,  withers 
the  fig-tree  away,  like  a  God !  During  a  raging  storm  on 
the  sea  of  Tiberias,  he  lay  in  the  hinder  part  of  the  ship, 
and  slept,  like  a  man !  being  called  upon,  he  arose,  and 
rebuked  the  winds  and  the  sea,  like  a  God!  Having 
wrought  a  stupendous  miracle,  he  goes  into  a  mountain 
apart,  to  pray,  like  a  man  I  and,  at  the  fourth  watch  of 
the  night,  he  comes  to  his  disciples,  walking  upon  the 
water,  like  a  God  !  On  yonder  bloody  tree  he  suffers  like 
a  man!  then  opens  the  gates  of  Paradise  to  the  dying 
thief,  like  a  God!  In  yonder  sepulchre,  wrapped  in  his 
winding-sheet,  the  blessed  Jesus  lies,  pale  and  cold,  in 
death,  like  a  man  !  but  on  the  morning  of  the  third  day, 
by  his  own  immortal  energies,  he  burst  the  bands  of  death, 
and  rose  triumphant,  like  a  God!  After  his  resurrection, 
meeting  with  his  disciples,  he  takes  a  piece  of  broiled  fish, 
and  of  an  honey  comb,  and  did  eat  with  them,  like  a  man  ! 
and  then  leads  them  out  to  Bethany,  and  blesses  them ; 
and,  as  he  blesses  them,  he  ascends,  in  radiant  majesty, 
far  above  all  heavens — a  God  confessed  I  "  God  is  gone 
«p  with  a  shout !" — Rev.  D.  Baker. 

Of  Christ's  State  of  Exaltation. 

-Q.  28.  WHEREIN  CONSISTETH  CHRIST'S  EXALTATION? 

Christ's  exaltation  consisteth  in  his  rising  again 
from  the  dead  on  the  third  day,  in  ascending  up 


OF  CHRIST'S  STATE  OF  EXALTATION.  79 

into  heaven,  in  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the 
Father,  and  in  coming  to  judge  the  world  at  the 
last  day. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Christ  was  exalted  by  his  rising  from  the  dead. — 1  Cor. 
xv.  4.     He  rose  again  the  third  day,  according  to  the 
Scriptures. 

2.  Christ  was  exalted  by  ascending  up  into  heaven. — Luke, 
xxiv.  51.     "While  he  blessed  them,  he  was  parted  from 
them,  and  carried  up  into  heaven. 

3.  Christ  is  exalted  by  his  now  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of 
God. — Col.  iii.   1.     Seek  those  things  which  are  above, 
where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God. 

4.  Christ  will  be  exalted  in  his  coming  at  last  to  judge  the 
world. — Acts,  xvii.  31.     He  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the 
which  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  by  that 
man  whom  he  hath  ordained :  whereof  he  hath  given  as- 
surance unto  all  men,  in  that  he  hath  raised  him  from  the 
dead. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  To  rejoice  in  the  highest  possible  honor 
which  Christ  so  deservedly  receives  in  heaven.  (2.)  To 
place  my  affections  on  heavenly  things.  (3.)  To  prepare 
myself  with  all  care  (by  the  grace  of  God)  for  the  solemn 
account  which  I  must  render,  after  death,  to  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  of  all  my  feelings  and  conduct  in  the  pres- 
ent life.  (4.)  To  exalt  Christ  in  my  thoughts  and  affec- 
tions above  all  created  things. 

What  Illustration  can  you  give  » 

1.  CHRIST  AT  THE  RIGHT  HAND  OF  GOD. — To  speak 
properly,  God  hath  no  right  hand  or  left ;  for,  being  a 
Spirit,  he  is  void  of  all  bodily  parts;  but  it  is  a  borrowed 
speech,  a  metaphor  taken  from  the  manner  of  kings,  who 
were  wont  to  advance  their  favorites  next  to  their  own 


80  OF    THE    APPLICATION    OF    REDEMPTION. 

persons,  and  set  them  at  their  right  hand.  Solomon 
caused  a  seat  to  be  set  for  the  Queen,  his  mother,  and 
placed  her  at  his  right  hand.  So  for  Christ  to  sit  at  the 
right  hand  of  God,  is  to  be  in  the  next  place  to  God  the 
Father  in  dignity  and  honor. — WATSON. 

2.  Says  John  Newton :   "  Christ  has  taken   our  nature 
into  heaven,  to  represent  us,  and  has  left  us  on  earth,  with 
his  nature,  to  represent  Him." 

3.  CONTRASTS    IN   THE   CONDITION  OF  CHRIST. — When  he 
was  on  earth,  he  lay  in  a  manger ;    now  he  sits  on  a 
throne.     Then  he  was  hated  and  scorned  of  men  ;  now  he 
is  adored  of  angels.     Then  his  name  was  reproached  ;  now 
"  God  hath  given  him  a  name  which  is  above  every  name." 
Then  he  came  in  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  as  a  servant 
stood  with  his  basin  and  towel,  and  washed  his  disciples' 
feet ;  now  he  is  clad  in  his  princely  robes,  and  the  kings 
of  the  earth  cast  their  crowns  before  him.     On  earth  he 
was  the  Man  of  Sorrow ;  now  he  is  anointed  with  the  oil 
of   gladness.      On   earth  was  his   crucifixion ;  now,  his 
coronation.     Then  his  Father  frowned  upon  him  in  deser- 
tion; now  he  hath  set  him  at  his  own   right  hand. — 
WATSON. 

Of  the  Application  of  Redemption. — The  Agent 
by  whom  applied. 

Q.  29.  HOW  ARE  WE  MADE  PARTAKERS  OF  THE  REDEMPTION 
PURCHASED  BY  CHRIST  ? 

We  are  made  partakers  of  the  redemption  pur- 
chased by  Christ,  by  the  effectual  application  of  it 
to  us  by  his  Holy  Spirit. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Redemption  has  been  purchased  for  his  people  by 
Christ. — Hcb.  ix.  12.  By  his  own  blood,  he  entered  in 
once  into  the  holy  place,  having  obtained  eternal  redemp- 
tion for  us. 


OF   THE   APPLICATION  OF   REDEMPTION.  81 

2.  Redemption  must  be  applied  to  believers. — John,  i.  12. 
As  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power  to  be- 
come the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his 
name. 

8.  Redemption  is  effectually  applied  to  believers  by  the 
Holy  Spirit. — Ezek.  xxxvi.  27.  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within 
you,  and  cause  you  to  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall 
keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  Christ  has  bought  redemption  (or  de- 
liverance) from  sin  and  suffering,  by  his  blood.  (2.)  That 
all  men  are  not  sharers  in  it.  (3.)  That  it  is  the  office  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  to  put  me  in  possession  of  it.  (4.)  That 
the  labors  and  sufferings  of  Christ  for  the  benefit  of  my 
soul  will  be  of  no  avail,  unless  I  allow,  and  earnestly  de- 
sire and  supplicate,  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  bring  me  to  a 
proper  state  of  mind  and  heart,  corresponding  to  the 
salvation  which  Christ  sought  to  confer  iipon  me.  (5.) 
That  I  should  greatly  honor,  love,  and  obey,  the  Holy 
Spirit;  and  I  learn,  moreover,  the  great  sin,  and  the 
dangerous  consequence,  of  rejecting  his  teachings,  or  of 
resisting  his  operations  in  my  soul. 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  Said  Bunyan :  "  In  my  preaching  I  could  not  be 
satisfied,  unless  some  fruits  did  appear  in  my  work."  "  I 
would  think  it  a  greater  happiness,"  saith  Matthew  Henry, 
"  to  gain  one  soul  to  Christ,  than  mountains  of  silver  and 
gold  to  myself.  If  I  do  not  gain  souls,  I  shall  enjoy  all 
my  other  gains  with  very  little  satisfaction  ;  and  I  would 
rather  beg  my  bread  from  door  to  door  than  undertake 
this  great  work."  Doddridge,  writing  to  a  friend,  re- 
marked :  "  I  long  for  the  conversion  of  souls  more  sen- 
sibly than  for  anything  besides.  Methinks  I  could  not 
only  labor  \mt  die  for  it  with  pleasure."  Similar  is  the 


82  HOW   REDEMPTION    IS    APPLIED. 

death-bed  testimony  of  the  sainted  Brown,  of  Haddmg- 
ton  :  "  Now,  after  near  forty  years  preaching  of  Christ,  I 
think  I  would  rather  beg  my  bread  all  the  laboring  days 
of  the  week,  for  an  opportunity  of  publishing  the  gospel 
on  the  Sabbath,  than,  without  such  a  privilege,  to  enjoy 
the  richest  possessions  on  earth.  Oh !  labor,  labor,"  said 
he  to  his  sons,  "to  win  souls  to  Christ." 

2.  The  Rev.  Pliny  Fisk,  in  his  diary,  thus  writes: 
"  There  is  nothing  I  desire  so  much  for  myself  and  my 
friends,  as  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  I  am  clearly 
convinced  that  my  sins  will  prevail,  and  my  lusts  in- 
crease their  strength,  in  spite  of  all  my  efforts,  unless  the 
Holy  Spirit  purify  and  elevate  my  affections.  I  am  per- 
suaded that  He  can  give  me  humility,  repentance,  benevo- 
lence, faith,  love,  and  every  grace.  Blessed  agent  in  the 
work  of  salvation,  it  is  thine  to  sanctify  ;  0  let  thy  purify- 
ing influences  come  into  my  soul,  and  make  me  holy !" 

How  Redemption  is  applied. 

Q.  80.  HOW  DOTH  THE  SPIRIT  APPLY  TO  US  THE  REDEMPTION 
PURCHASED  BY  CHRIST  ? 

The  Spirit  applieth  to  us  the  redemption  pur- 
chased by  Christ,  by  working  faith  in  us,  and 
thereby  uniting  us  to  Christ,  in  our  effectual  call- 
ing. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Redemption  is  applied  to  God's  people  through  faith. — 
Gal.  iii.  14.     That  we  might  receive  the  promise  of  the 
Spirit  through  faith. 

2.  Faith  in  the  believer  is  altogether  the  work  of  God. — 
Epli.  ii.  8.     By  grace  are  ye  saved,  through  faith ;  and 
that  not  of  yourselves:  it  is  the  gift  of  God. 

3.  Believers  are  united  to  Christ  in  one  mystical  body. — 
1  Cor.  xii.  27.     Now  ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  mem- 
bers in  particular. 


REDEMPTION   IN   EFFECTUAL   CALLING.  83 

4.  The  union  of  Christ  and  the  believer  is  formed  by  the 
operations  of  faith. — Eph.  iii.  17.     That  Christ  may  dwell 
in  your  hearts  by  faith. 

5.  The  believer  is  united  to  Christ  in  his  effectual  calling. 
— 1  Cor.  i.  9.    God  is  faithful,  by  whom  ye  were  called  unto 
the  fellowship  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn,  That  the  Holy  Spirit  secures  to  me  the  benefits 
of  Christ's  sufferings,  when  he  brings  me  to  an  humble 
and  exclusive  trust  in  Christ  (which  act  is  called  Faith) ; 
and  hence  arises  a  certain  spiritual  connection  between 
me  and  Christ,  by  a  process  which  is  termed  Effectual 
Calling. 

What  Illustrations  may  be  given  ? 

HARLAN  PAGE. — This  active  and  useful  Christian  is  said 
to  have  been  habitually  impressed  with  the  necessity  to 
every  man  of  being  born  again.  As  soon  as  any  person  came 
into  his  presence,  it  seemed  to  be  the  first  question  of  his 
mind,  "  Is  this  a  friend  or  an  enemy  of  God  f '  The  next 
thing  was,  if  impenitent,  to  do  something  for  his  conver- 
sion ;  or,  if  a  Christian,  to  encourage  him  in  duty.  What- 
ever else  he  saw  in  an  individual,  he  felt  that  it  availed 
him  nothing  unless  he  had  received  Christ  into  his  heart 
by  a  living  faith.  This  he  felt  and  urged  to  be  the  sinner's 
first,  great,  and  only  duty  in  which  he  could  be  accept- 
able to  God." — Memoir,  p.  196. 

The  Application  of  Redemption  in  Effectual  Calling. 

Q.  31.  WHAT  is  EFFECTUAL  CALLING? 

Effectual  calling  is  the  work  of  God's  Spirit, 
whereby  convincing  us  of  our  sin  and  misery,  en- 
lightening our  minds  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ, 


84  REDEMPTION   IN   EFFECTUAL   CALLING. 

and  renewing  our  wills,  he  doth  persuade,  and  en- 
able us  to  embrace  Jesus  Christ,  freely  offered  to 
us  in  the  gospel. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Effectual  calling,  is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit. — John, 
xvi.  14.     He  shall  receive  of  mine,  and  shall  show  it  unto 
you. 

2.  In  effectual  calling,  the  Spirit  convinces  of  sin. — John, 
xvi.  8.     He  will  reprove  (or  convince)  the  world  of  sin. 

3.  In  effectual  calling,  the  Spirit  convinces  of  misery. — 
Rom.  vii.  10.     The  commandment  which  was  .ordained  to 
life,  I  found  to  be  unto  death. 

4.  In  effectual  calling,  the  mind  is  enlightened  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  Christ.— I  Pet.  ii.  9.     Who  hath  called  you  out  of 
darkness  into  his  marvellous  light. 

5.  In  effectual  calling,  our  wills  are  renewed. — EzeJc.  xxxvi. 
26.    A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new  spirit 
will  I  put  within  you. 

6.  In  effectual  calling,  we  are  persuaded  to  embrace  Jesus 
Christ. -—John,  vi.  44.      ISo  man  can  come  to  me,  except 
the  Father  which  hath  sent  me  draw  him. 

7.  In  effectual  calling,  we  are  enabled  to  embrace  Jesus 
Christ. — JEzek.  xxxvi.  27.     I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you, 
and  cause  you  to  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep 
my  judgments,  and  do  them. 

8.  Jesus  Christ  is  freely  offered  to  all  men  in  the  gospel. — 
Rev.  xxii.  17.     Whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of 
life  freely. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  Effectual  Calling  is  the  work  of  God's 
Spirit ;  that  it  consists  in  making  me  feel  that  I  am  a 
sinner,  and  therefore  exposed  to  great  misery ;  in  giving 
me  a  proper  acquaintance  with  Christ ;  and  in  so  affect- 
ing or  changing  my  natural  state  of  mind,  that  I  shall  be 
inclined  and  enabled  to  accept,  with  my  whole  heart,  the 
offer  of  salvation,  which  rests  upon  what  Christ  has  done 
and  suffered  for  me.  (2.)  That  if  Christ  had  not  been 


REDEMPTION   IN   EFFECTUAL   CALLING.  85 

made  known  to  me  as  a  Saviour,  adapted  to  my  sinful  and 
perilous  condition,  I  must  have  continued  a  sinner,  and 
been  lost.  (3.)  That  a  work  of  the  Spirit  is  necessary  in 
my  heart,  to  bring  it  to  a  proper  state,  and  to  dispose  it 
to  accept  and  obey  Christ,  in  all  his  offices,  in  order  to 
salvation.  (4.)  If  I  have  chosen  Christ,  and  thereby  ob- 
tained pardon,  I  am  indebted  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
should  be  for  ever  thankful  to  him,  and  should  honor  him 
as  the  kind  Author  of  my  change  of  heart  and  of  charac- 
ter. (5.)  If  I  have  not  thus  chosen  Christ,  I  am  guilty 
of  offering  ungrateful  and  wicked  resistance  to  the  agency 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  whose  office  it  is  to  convince  of  sin, 
and  to  lead  to  Christ. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  WILLIAM  KELLY. — To  show  the  necessity  of  an  entire 
change  of  heart,  he  was  accustomed  to  mention  a  saying 
of  Bishop  Taylor :  "  If  there  be  a  crack  in  a  bell,  there  is 
no  possible  way  of  repairing  it ;  it  must  be  cast  anew." 

2.  Says  the  REV.  THOMAS  DOOLITTLE  :  "  When  I  catechise 
my  children  or  my  servants,  I  ask  them,  What  is  Effect- 
ual Calling  ?  and  they  answer  me  according  to  what  is 
written  in  their  book.     But  now  I  am  retired  to  catechise 
myself,  must  I  not  be  careful  to  answer  according  to  what 
is  written  in  my  heart  ?     O,  my  soul,  what  a  difference 
is  there  betwixt  answering  this  question  by  the  words  of 
the  book,  and  from  the  experience  of  my  own  heart." 

3.  A  person  once  said,  in  the  presence  of  DR.  NETTLE- 
TON,  that  to  inculcate  upon  sinners  their  dependence  on 
God  for  a  new  heart,  is  suited  to  discourage  effort,  and  to 
lead  them  to  sit  down,  in  despair.     He  replied,  "  The  very 
reverse  of  this  is  true.      Suppose  a  number  of  men  are 
locked  up  in  a  room,  playing  cards.    Some  person  informs 
them  that  the  roof  of  the  building  is  on  fire,  and  that  they 
must  make  their  escape,  or  they  will  perish  in  the  flames. 

8 


86         BENEFITS  OF   REDEMPTION   IN   THIS   LIFE. 

Says  one  of  them,  *  "We  need  not  be  in  haste,  we  shall 
have  time  tc  finish  the  game/  '  But,'  says  the  person 
who  gave  the  alarm,  *  your  door  is  locked.'  *  No  matter 
for  that,'  he  replies,  '  I  have  the  key  in  my  pocket,  and 
can  open  it  at  any  moment.'  '  But  I  tell  you  that  the 
key  will  not  open  the  door.'  'Won't  it?'  he  exclaims, 
and,  rising  from  the  table,  flies  to  the  door,  and  exerts 
himself  to  the  utmost  to  open  it.  So  sinners,  while  they 
believe  there  is  no  difficulty  in  securing  their  salvation 
at  any  moment,  quiet  their  consciences,  and  silence  their 
fears.  But  when  they  are  taught  that  such  is  the  wicked- 
ness of  their  hearts,  that  they  will  never  repent  unless 
God  interposes  by  his  regenerating  grace,  they  are 
alarmed,  and  begin  to  inquire,  in  deep  distress,  'What 
they  shall  do  to  be  saved  ?' " 

Benefits  of  Redemption  in  this  Life. 
Q.  32.  WHAT  BENEFITS  DO  THEY   THAT   ARE  EFFECTUALLY 

CALLED,  PARTAKE  OF  IN  THIS  LIFE  ? 

They  who  are  effectually  called,  do  in  this  life 
partake  of  justification,  adoption,  and  sanctification, 
and  the  several  benefits  which,  in  this  life,  do  either 
accompany  or  flow  from  them. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Believers  receive  justification. — Rom.  viii.  30.     Whom 
he  called,  them  he  also  justified. 

2.  Believers  are  adopted  into  the  family  of  God. — Rom. 
viii.  15.     Ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  where- 
by we  cry,  Abba  Father. 

3.  Believers  partake  of  sanctification. — Heb.  x.  10.     By 
the  which  will  we  are  sanctified. 

4.  All 'necessary  blessings  in  this  life  are  made  over  to  the 
believer. — 1  Cor.  iii.  22.    All  things  are  yours. 


BENEFITS    OF   REDEMPTION   IN    THIS    LIFE.         87 

What  Lesson  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn,  The  great  folly  and  stupidity  of  those  who  neg- 
lect the  invitations  and  blessings  of  the  Gospel. 

What  Illustrations  do  you  offer  ? 

1.  WHO  KNOWS  BKST? — Said  John   Newton    to    a  gay 
friend,   "  I  need  not  turn  Deist  to  enjoy  the  best  and  the 
most  that  this  life  can  afford."     Newton  had  a  right  to  say 
this,  and  so  he  believed.     He  had,  as  he  says,   "  experi- 
enced the  good  and  the  evil  on  both  sides."     He  had  been 
a  man  of  pleasure  and  of  impiety,  and  knew  how  to  esti- 
mate them.     Thus  he  says  to  his  friend,  "  If  you  were  to 
send  me  an  inventory  of  your  pleasures,  how  charmingly 
your  time  runs  on,  and  how  dexterously  it  is  divided  be- 
tween the  coffee-house,  play-house,   the    card-table,   and 
tavern,  with  intervals  of  balls,  concerts,  &c.,  I  could  an- 
swer, that  most  of  these  I  have  tried,  and  tried  again,  and 
know  the  utmost  they  can  yield,  and  have  seen  enough 
of  the  rest  most  heartily  to  despise  them  all.     You  know 
all  that  a  life  of  pleasure  can  give,  and  I  know  it  like- 
wise."   So  far  they  were  equal.      But  Is  ewton  had  an- 
other experience  found  "  in  the  pardon  of  his  sins — com- 
munion with  God,  calm  reliance  on  the  Divine  Provi- 
dence, the  cheering  prospect  of  a  better  life,  with  fore- 
tastes of  heaven  in  his  soul."     Supposing  that  such  pleas- 
ures would  be  despised,  he  adds '    '  But  here  lies  the  dif- 
ference, my  dear  friend,  you  condemn  that  which  you  have 
never  tried."    An  all-sufficient  answer  «  this,  to  every  one 
who  questions  the  superiority  of  religion. 

2.  On  her  death-bed,  a  pious  English  woman,  who  had 
for  months  suffered  great  bodily  pain,  observed,  respect- 
ing the  state  of  her  soul :  "  All  is  sweet  peace  again- 
solid  peace.     /  am  as  certain  of  heaven  as  if  I  were  already 
there.     Not  that  I  have  merited  heaven — no :  I  have  no 
works,  no  worthiness, 


88  OF  JUSTIFICATION. 

'  Nothing  in  my  hand  I  bring. 
Simply  to  thy  cross  I  cling.' 

I  have  lain  awake,  night  after  night,  examining  the  foun- 
dation of  my  hope,  but  I  cannot  find  a  single  flaw.  /  de- 
pend entirely  upon  the  sacrifice  of  Christ,  for  acceptance  with 
God,  and  not  at  all  upon  my  own  works.  I  have  not  a  doubt 
or  a  fear.'  The  fear  and  sting  of  death  are  both  taken 
away ;  the  fear,  because  Christ  died  for  sinners ;  the 
sting,  because  he  fulfilled  and  magnified  the  law." 

Of  Justification. 
Q.  33.  WHAT  is  JUSTIFICATION  ? 

Justification  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace, 
wherein  he  pardoneth  all  our  sins,  and  accepteth 
us  as  righteous  in  his  sight,  only  for  the  righteous- 
ness of  Christ  imputed  to  us,  and  received  by  faith 
alone. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Justification  is  an  act  of  free  and  unmerited  grace. — 
Rom.  iii.  24.     Being  justified  freely  by  his  grace. 

2.  All  our  sins  are  pardoned  in  justification. — Psal.  ciii. 
3.     Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities. 

3.  The  perfect  righteousness  of  Christ  is  imputed  to  the 
believer  in  Justification. — 2  Cor.  v.  21.     He  hath  made  him 
to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin  ;  that  we  might  be  made 
the  righteousness  of  God  in  him. 

4.  The  believer  is  accepted  as  righteous  by  God,  only  by  the 
imputation  of  Christ's  righteousness. — Rom.  v.   19.     As  by 
one  man's  disobedience  many  were  made  sinners,  so  by 
the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 

5.  The  benefit  of  Christ's  imputed  righteousness  is  received 
by  faith. — Rom.  iii.  22.     The  righteousness  of  God,  which 
is  by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that 
believe. 


OF   JUSTIFICATION.  89 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  To  praise  the  grace,  or  undeserved  favor  of 
God.  (2.)  That  his  favor  is  to  be  acquired  only  through 
what  Christ  has  done  and  suffered.  (3.)  That  by  trust  in 
Christ,  and  in  him  alone,  I  may  escape  the  punishment 
due  for  sins,  and  may  be  treated  with  all  the  divine  kind- 
ness and  love  to  be  expected  only  by  an  innocent  and  holy 
being.  (4.)  That  without  this  trust  I  cannot  please  God, 
but  must  for  ever  remain  under  condemnation,  and  suffer 
the  wrath  of  God,  as  expressed  in  the  penalty  of  the  law 
— which  is  everlasting  death. 

In  A'ain  we  seek  for  peace  with  God 

By  methods  of  our  own. 
Blest  Saviour !  nothing  but  thy  blood 

Can  bring  us  near  the  throne  ! 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  THE  OLD  MAN  IN  PARIS. — An  old  man,  a  seller  of  black- 
ing, at  his  stand  in  Paris,  was  often  observed  to  be  occu- 
pied with  some  old  book.  Tracts,  from  time  to  time,  were 
given  him  by  a  certain  person,  and  with  these  he  was 
much  gratified.  Upon  his  request,  a  New  Testament  was 
then  given  him,  and  this  made  him  anxious  for  the  whole 
Bible.  When  he  received  it,  he  stood  over  it  in  ecstasy, 
"  Where  shall  I  begin  in  this  world  of  wonders  ?"  he  ex- 
claimed; "I  want  to  know  it  all  at  once."  After  stand- 
ing in  the  street  till  late  in  the  evening,  to  obtain  a  few 
pence  by  his  blacking,  this  poor  man  devoted  many  hours 
every  night  to  studying  and  reading  the  sacred  volume  to 
his  wife,  by  the  light  of  a  glimmering  lamp,  till  one  or 
two  in  the  morning.  In  a  few  months,  at  more  than 
seventy  years  of  age,  he  had  made  great  advances  in  the 
knowledge  of  divine  truth.  When  he  discovered  the 
doctrine  of  Justification  by  Faith,  he  was  overwhelmed 
8* 


90  OF   JUSTIFICATION. 

with  it,  and  he  could  not  believe  that  any  one  had  dis- 
covered it  before,  or,  at  least,  so  clearly  as  himself. 

2.  But  few  men  have  been  more  active,  devoted,  and 
useful  Christians,  than  the  late  HARLAN  PAGE,  and  yet,  on 
his  death-bed,  when  an  allusion  was  'made  to  his  great 
usefulness,  he  replied,  "  0  brother  Hallock,  I  am  nothing, 
and  have  done  nothing.     I  am  nothing  but  a  poor  sinner. 
I  am  a  blank,  and  less  than  a  blank.    I  hang  on  the  mere 
merits  of  Christ.     I  have  come  short  in  everything.      I 
have  done  wrong,  and  felt  wrong,  and  cast  myself  alone 
on  the  blood  and  righteousness  of  Christ." 

3.  When  DR.  WATTS  was  almost  worn  out  and  broken 
down  by  his  infirmities,  he  observed,  in  conversation  with 
a  friend,  "  I  remember  an  aged  minister  used  to  say,  that 
the  most  learned  and  knowing  Christians,  when  they  come 
to  die,  have  only  the  same  plain  promises  of  the  gospel  for 
their  support  as  the  common  and  unlearned;    and  so," 
said  he,  "I  find  it.     The  plain  promises  of  the  Gospel  are 
my  support;   and  I  bless  God  they  are   plain  promises, 
that  do  not  require  much  labor  and  pains  to  understand 
them ;  for  I  can  do  nothing  now  but  look  into  my  Bible 
for  some  promise  to  support  me,  and  live  upon  that." 

4.  This  was  likewise  the  case  with  the  pious  and  excel- 
lent MR.  HERVEY.     He  writes,  about  two  months  before 
his  death :  "  I  now  spend  almost  my  whole  time  in  read- 
ing and  praying  over  the  Bible."    And  again,  near  the 
same  time  to  another  friend :  "  I  am  now  reduced  to  a 
state  of  infant  weakness,  and  given  over  by  my  physician. 
My  grand  consolation  is  to  meditate  on  Christ ;  and  I  am 
hourly  repeating  those  heart-reviving  lines  of  Dr.  Young: 

4  This— only  this — subdues  the  force  of  death, 
And  what  is  this?    Survey  the  wondrous  cure 
And  at  each  strp  let  higher  wonder  rise  ! 
1.  Pardon  for  infinite  offence !    3.  And  pardon 
Through  means  that  speak  its  value  infinite ! 
3.  A  pardon  bought  with  blood !    4.  With  blood  divine ; 


OF   ADOPTION.  91 

5.  With  blood  divine  of  Him  I  made  my  foe ! 

6.  Persisted  to  provoke  !— 7.  Though  woo'd  and  aw'd, 
Bless'd  and  chastised,  a  flagrant  rebel  still  !— 

8.  A  rebel  'midst  the  thunders  of  His  throne ! 

9.  Nor  I  alone !    10.  A  rebel  universe ! 

11.  My  species  up  in  arms  !    12.  Not  one  exempt ! 

13.  Yet  for  the  foulest  of  the  foul  He  dies ! 

14.  Most  joy 'd  for  the  redeem'd  from  deepest  gulf! 

15.  As  if  our  race  were  held  of  highest  rank, 
And  Godhead  dearer,  as  more  kind  to  man.'  " 

Of  Adoption. 

Q.  34.  WHAT  is  ADOPTION  ? 

Adoption  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace,  whereby 
we  are  received  into  the  number,  and  have  a  right 
to  all  the  privileges  of  the  sons  of  God. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Adoption  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace. — 1  John,  iii.  1. 
Behold  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed 
upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God. 

2.  In  adoption,  the  believer  is  received  into  the  number  of 
God's  children. — Eph.  i.  5.     Having  predestinated  us  unto 
the  adoption  of  children. 

3.  In  adoption,  we  receive  a  right  to  all  the  privileges  of 
God's  children. — Rom.  viii.  17.      If  children,   then  heirs : 
heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  Adoption  is  an  undeserved  kindness, 
whereby  God  receives  certain  persons  into  his  family, 
who,  before,  were  strangers  and  in  a  most  wretched  con- 
dition, and  had  nothing  to  recommend  them  to  his  liber- 
ality. He  treats  them  thenceforth  as  his  own  redeemed 
and  spiritual  children,  and  bestows  upon  them,  as  such, 
the  richest  blessings,  as  though  they  had  a  jast  claim  to 
them.  (2.)  That  by  nature  I  do  not  belong  to  God's 
family,  and,  in  a  religious  sense,  am  not  a  child  of  God, 


92  OF  SANCTIFICATION. 

(3.)  To  ask  God  to  adopt,  or  put  me  into  his  religious 
family,  and  to  be  my  Father,  and  to  bless  me,  as  he  does 
his  regenerate  children.  (4.)  That  it  is  a  great  honor  and 
happiness  to  look  up  to  God,  and,  without  presumption, 
to  be  able  to  address  him  as  my  Father  in  heaven. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  MOSES  was  adopted  as  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter, 
and  ESTHER  was  the  adopted  child  of  her  uncle  Mordecai. 
Thus  God  adopts  us  into  the  family  of  heaven,  and  in 
adopting  us,  doth  two  things :  when  he  makes  sons,  he 
doth  not  only  give  a  new  name,  but  a  new  nature.     He 
works  such  a  change  as  if  another  soul  did  dwell  in  the 
same  body. —  Watson. 

2.  MRS.  SUSAN  HUNTINGTON,  upon  the  loss  of  her  mother, 
writes  :   "  0  to  be  adopted,  taken  into  God's  Family — to  have 
him  exercise  over  us  the  endearing,  the  watchful  attention  and 
care  of  our  omniscient  and  Almighty  Parent !   But  he  prom- 
ises to  be  the  Father  of  those  only,  who,  disclaiming  all 
other  dependence,   fly  to  him,   through  Jesus  Christ,  as 
their  best,  their  only  portion  ;  who  feel  the  vanity  of  all 
human  helpers  ;  who  love  him  with  a  filial  and  holy  love, 
and  who  manifest  their  attachment  by  a  hatred  of  sin 
which  he  hates,  by  a  pursuit  of  the  holiness  which  he  en- 
joins, by  a  life  of  universal  obedience  to  his  law." 

3.  Says  JOHN  NEWTON  :  "I  feel  like  a  man  who  has  no 
money  in  his  pocket,  but  is  allowed  to  draw,  for  all  his 
wants,  upon  one  infinitely  rich ;  I  am,  therefore,  at  once 
a  beggar  and  a  rich  man." 

Sanctification. 

Q.  35.  WHAT  is  SANCTIFICATION  ? 

Sanctification  is  the  work  of  God's  free  grace, 


OF  SANCTIFICATION.  98 

whereby  we  are  renewed  in  the  whole  man  after 
the  image  of  God,  and  are  enabled  more  and  more 
to  die  unto  sin  and  live  unto  righteousness. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer? 

1.  Sanctification  is  the  work  of  God — Phil.  ii.  13.     For 
it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you,  both  to  will  and  to  do 
of  his  good  pleasure. 

2.  Sanctification  is  a  work  carried  on  by  degrees. — 2.  Cor. 
iii.  18.     But  we  all,  with  open  face,  beholding  as  in  a 
glass,  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  same 
image  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the 
Lord. 

3.  Sanctification  is  a  work  of  free  undeserved  mercy. — Tit. 
iii.  4,  5.     But  after  that  the  kindness  and  love  of  God  our 
Saviour  toward  man  appeared,  not  by  works  of  righteous- 
ness which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  his  mercy  he 
saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and  renewing 
of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

4.  In  Sanctification  there  is  a  renewing  of  the  sinner's  mind. 
— Rom.  xii.  2.     And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world ;  but 
be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your  mind,  that  ye 
may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  acceptable,  and  perfect 
will  of  God. 

5.  In  Sanctification,  the  renewal,  though  gradual,  is  com- 
plete.— Ezek.  xxxvi.  26.     A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you, 
and  a  new  spirit  will  I  put  within  you  :  and  I  will  take 
away  the  stony  heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I  will  give 
you  an  heart  of  flesh. 

6.  In  Sanctification,  the  sinner  is  renewed  after  the  image, 
or  likeness  of  God. — Eph.  iv.  24.     And  that  ye  put  on  the 
new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in  righteousness  and 
true  holiness. 

7.  In  the  progress  of  Sanctification  the  sinner  is  enabled  to 
die  unto  sin. — Rom.  vi.  6.      Knowing  this,   that  our  old 
man  is  crucified  with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might  be 
destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve  sin. 

8.  In  the  progress  of  Sanctification  the  sinner  is  enabled 
to  live  unto  righteousness. — Rom.  vi.  22.     But  now   being 
made  free  from  sin,  and  became  servants  to  God,  ye  have 
your  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end  everlasting  life. 


94  OI    SANCTIFICATION. 

9.  Dying  to  sin,  and  living  to  righteousness,  is  a  constant 
and  daily  work. — 2  Cor.  iv.  16.  For  which  cause  we  faint 
not ;  but  though  our  outward  man  perish,  yet  the  inward 
man  is  renewed  day  by  day. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  must  labor  constantly  after  a  higher 
degree  of  obedience  to  God,  from  day  to  day.  (2.)  That 
the  work  of  self-control  and  self-improvemenjt  must  be 
carried  on,  as  long  as  I  live.  (3.)  That  I  must  conduct  it 
with  an  humble  and  full  reliance  upon  the  Holy  Spirit, 
to  accomplish  it  in  my  soul.  (4.)  That  I  am  not  left  alone 
in  working  out  my  salvation,  but  am  encouraged  to  make 
vigorous  efforts  to  overcome  my  sinful  desires  and  habits, 
because  the  Almighty  Spirit  of  God  is  ready,  on  account 
of  Christ,  to  help  me,  and  to  make  me  successful  in 
those  efforts.  (5.)  It  would  save  much  useless  debate,  if 
the  distinction  which  Dr.  Kevins  makes  between  conver- 
sion and  sanctification  were  observed :  that  the  former  is 
instantaneous,  while  the  latter  is  progressive ;  in  other 
words,  that  religion  is  progressive,  but  the  first  step  in 
that  progression  is  instantaneous. 

What  Illustrations  are  furnished? 

1.  DYING  WORDS  OF  WILBKRFORCE  RICHMOND. — "  Come, 
and  sit  near  me  ;  let  me  lean  on  you,"  said  young  Wilber- 
force  to  his  sister,  a  few  minutes  before  his  death.  After- 
ward, putting  his  arms  around  her,  he  said,  "  God  bless 
you,  my  dear."  He  became  agitated  somewhat,  and  then 
ceased  speaking.  Presently,  however,  he  said,  "  I  must 
leave  you ;  we  shall  walk  no  further  through  this  world 
together ;  but  I  hope  we  shall  meet  in  heaven.  Let  us 

talk  of  heaven.     Do  not  weep  for  me,  dear  F ,  do  not 

weep  ;  for  I  am  very  happy ;  but  think  of  me,  and  let  the 
thought  make  you  press  forward.     I  never  knew  happi- 


OF    SANCTIFICATION.  95 

ness  till  I  found  Christ  as  a  Saviour.  Read  the  Bible — 
read  the  Bible  I  Let  no  religious  book  take  its  place. 
Books  about  religion  may  be  useful  enough,  but  they  will 
not  do  instead  of  the  simple  truth  of  the  Bible."  He 
afterwards  spoke  of  the  regret  of  parting  with  his  friends. 
"  Nothing,"  said  he,  "  convinces  me  more  of  the  reality  of 
the  change  within  me,  than  the  feelings  with  which  I  can 
contemplate  a  separation  from  my  family.  I  now  feel  so 
weaned  from  earth,  my  affections  so  much  in  heaven,  that 
I  can  leave  you  all  without  a  regret ;  yet  I  do  not  love 
you  less,  but  God  more." 

2.  JOHN  NEWTON'S  CONFESSION. — John  Newton,  in  his  old 
age,  when  his  sight  had  become  so  dim  as  to  be  unable  to 
read,  hearing  this  Scripture  repeated,  "  By  the  grace  of 
God  I  am  what  I  am,"  paused  for  some  moments,  and  then 
offered  this  affecting  soliloquy:   "  I  am  not  what  I  ought 
to  be.     Ah !  how  imperfect  and  deficient !     I  am  not  what 
I  wish  to  be.      I  abhor  that  which  is  evil,  and  I  would 
cleave  to  that  which  is  good.     I  am  not  what  I  hope  to  be. 
Soon,  soon,  shall  I  put  off  mortality,  and  with  mortality 
all  sin  and  imperfection.     Though  I  am  not  what  I  ought 
to  be,  what  I  wish  to  be,  and  what  I  hope  to  be,  yet  I  can 
truly  say,  I  am  not  what  I  once  was,  a  slave  to  sin  and 
Satan;  I  can  heartily  join  with  the  apostle,  and  acknowl- 
edge, '  By  the  grace  of  God  lam  what  I  am.' " 

3.  MRS  HANNAH  MORE,  on  a  bed  of  sickness,  when  con- 
versing about  the  joys  of  heaven,  remarked:  "The  meet- 
ing with  dear  friends  will,  I  should  think,  constitute  a  part 
of  our  felicity,  but  a  very  subordinate  one.     Like  White  • 
field,  I  think,  we  shall  be  apt  to  say,  '  Stand  back,  and 
keep  me  not  from  the  sight  of  my  Saviour.'     Important 
as  doctrines  are,"  she  observed,  "  yet  except  the  leading 
ones,  for  which  we  ought  to  be  ready  to  be  led  to  the 
stake,  they  yield  much  with  me  to  the  purifying  of  the 
hidden  man  of  the  heart.     Conformity  to  God,  and  walking 


96         BENEFITS    OF   REDEMPTION   IN   THIS   LIFE. 

in  his  steps,  spiritual-mindedness,  and  subduing  of  the  old 
Adam  within  us, — here  is  the  grand  difficulty,  and  the  ac- 
ceptable offering  to  God !" 

4.  THREE   WONDERS   IN   HEAVEN. — "  If   I    ever    reach 
heaven,"  said  the  eminently  pious  DR.  WATTS,  "  I  expect 
to  find  three  wonders  there.     (1.)  To  meet  some  I  had 
not  thought  to  see  there.     (2  )  To  miss  some  whom  I  ex- 
pected to  meet  there;  but  (3.)  The  greatest  wonder  of 
all  will  be  to  find  myself  there."     If  such  were  the  views 
and  feelings  of  such  a  man  as  Dr.  Watts,  who  lived  so 
near  the  verge  of  heaven,   and  breathed  its  holy  atmos- 
phere, even  on  earth,  so  as  to  be  able  to  say  with  the  most 
cheerful  confidence,  "I  bless  God  I  lie  down  at  night  un- 
solicitous  whether  I  awake  in  this  world,  or  another," 
how  much  greater  will  be  the  wonder,  in  the  case  of  many 
careless  and  almost  prayeiiess  Christians,  to  find  them- 
selves in  heaven  at  last  ? — N.  Y.  Evang. 

5.  An  old  divine  well  said :  "  Let  us  die  to  sin  that  lives 
in  us;  and  live  to  Christ  who  died  for  us." 

Benefits  of  Redemption   in   this  life. 
Q.  36.  WHAT  ARE  THE  BENEFITS  WHICH,  IN    THIS   LIFE,  DO 

ACCOMPANY  OR  FLOW  FROM  JUSTIFICATION,  ADOPTION  AND 
8ANCTIFICATION  ? 

The  benefits  which,  in  this  life,  do  accompany  or 
flow  from  justification,  adoption,  and  sanctification, 
are,  assurance  of  God's  love,  peace  cf  conscience, 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  increase  of  grace,  and  per- 
severance therein  to  the  end. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  believer  has  the  assurance  of  God's  love. — Rom. 
v.  5.  The  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  which  is  given  unto  us, 


BENEFITS    OF    REDEMPTION    IN    THIS    LIFE          97 

2.  The  believer  enjoys  peace   of  conscience. — Rom.   v.   1. 
Being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God,  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

3.  The  believer  possesses  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. — I  Pet.  i. 
8.     In  whom,  though  now  ye  see  him  not,  yet  believing, 
ye  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory. 

4.  The  believer  increases  in  grace. — Prov.  iv.  18.      The 
path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining  light,  that  shineth  more 
and  more  unto  the  perfect  day. 

6.  The  believer  is  enabled  to  persevere  in  grace. — Jer. 
xxxii.  40.  I  will  put  my  fear  in  their  hearts,  that  they 
shall  not  depart  from  me. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  the  several  advantages  enjoyed  by  the  true 
Christian  in  the  present  life.  (1.)  He  is  thereby  made 
sure  of  the  special  love  of  God  to  himself.  (2.)  He  is  no 
longer  troubled  with  a  condemning  conscience,  or  with 
the  fears  of  God's  future  displeasure.  (3.)  The  Holy 
Spirit  communicates  great  joy  in  view  of  his  new  relations 
to  God — to  his  law  and  gospel.  (4.)  Through  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Spirit  he  becomes  more  and  more  averse  to 
sin,  and  more  strongly  inclined  to  perform  every  good  and 
pious  act ;  he  seeks  to  become  more  useful  to  the  cause  of 
Christ,  and  to  do  more  good  to  his  suffering  and  wicked 
fellow-men.  (5.)  He  is  secured  from  falling  back  into  a 
careless,  worldly,  and  sinful  course  of  life; — he  is  made 
sure  of, heaven.  (6.)  To  use  all  the  care,  diligence,  and 
effort  which  may  be  required  to  secure  those  blessings  for 
myself,  in  all  their  fulness  and  variety.  (7.)  That  every 
Christian  should,  in  this  life,  be  growing  better  and  happier 
every  day. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  give  ? 

1.    An  eminently  pious  man  thus  writes  of  himself: — 
"  When  I  shall  be  on  my  dying  bed,  what  joy  will  it  be 
0 


98         BENEFITS    OF   REDEMPTION   IN   THIS   LIFE. 

to  think  I  am  going  to  see  my  Father.  I  am  going  home 
to  my  Father's  house ;  within  a  day  or  two  I  shall  be 
with  my  Father." 

2.  The  REV.  SAMUEL  PIERCE,  towards  the  close  of  his  last> 
and  very  painful  sickness,  writes  to  Dr.  Ryland : — "  Now 
I  see  the  value  of  the  religion  of  the  cross.     It  is  a  religion 
for  a  dying  sinner*     It  is  all  that  the  most  guilty  the  most 
wretched,  can  desire.     Yes,  I  taste  its  sweetness  and  en- 
joy its  fulness  with  all  the  gloom  of  a  dying  bed  before 
me.       *         *          *          *          *      I  was  delighted  the 
other  day,  in  re-perusing  the  *  Pilgrim's  Progress,'  to  ob- 
serve that,  when  Christian  came  to  the  top  of  hill  Difficulty, 
he  was  put  to  sleep  in  a  chamber  called  Peace.     *  Why, 
how  good  is  the  Lord  of  the  way  to  me,'  said  I.      I  have 
not  yet  reached  the  summit  of  the  hill  yet,  but,  notwith- 
standing, he  puts  me  to  sleep  in  the  chamber  of  Peace 
every  night.     *          *          *          *          True,  it  is  often 
a  chamber  of  pain,  but  let  pain  be  as  formidable  as  it 
may,  it  has  never  yet  been  able  to  expel  that  peace  which 
the  great  Guardian  of  Israel  has  appointed  to  keep  my 
heart  and  mind  through  Christ  Jesus." 

3.  DR.  NETTIETON  once  fell  in  company  with  two  men  who 
were  disputing  on  the  Doctrine  of  the  Saints'  Persever- 
ance.    As  he  came  into  their  presence,  one  of  them  said, 
"  I  believe  this  doctrine  has  been  the  means  of  filling  hell 
with  Christians."      "Sir,"  said  Dr.  N.,   "do  you  believe 
that  God  knows  all  things  ?"     "  Certainly  I  do,"  said  he. 
"How  then  do  you  interpret  this  text— 'I  never  knew 
you  ?' "  said  Dr.  N.      After  reflecting  a  moment,  he  re- 
plied, "  The  meaning  must  be,  I  never  knew  you  as  Chris- 
tians."    "  Is  that  the  meaning  ?"  said  Dr.  N.      "  Yes,  it 
must  be,"  he  replied,  "  for  certainly  God  knows  all  things.* 
"  Well,"  said  Dr.  N.,  "  I  presume  you  are  right.      Now, 
this  is  what  our  Saviour  will  say  to  those  who,  at  the 
last  day,  shall  say  to  him,    'Lord,  Lord,  have  we  not 


BENEFITS    OF   REDEMPTION    AT    DEATH.  99 

eaten,'  <fcc.  Now,  when  Saul,  and  Judas,  and  Hymeneus, 
and  Philetus,  and  Demas,  and  all  who,  you  suppose,  are 
fallen  from  grace,  shall  say  to  Christ,  Lord,  Lord, — 
he  shall  say  to  them,  I  never  knew  you — I  NEVER  knew 
you  as  Christians.  Where,  then,  are  the  Christians  that 
are  going  to  hell  ?" 

Benefits  of  Redemption  at  Death. 
Q.  37.  WHAT  BENEFITS  DO  BELIEVERS  RECEIVE  FROM  CHRIST 

AT  DEATH  ? 

The  souls  of  believers  are  at  their  death  made 
perfect  in  holiness,  and  do  immediately  pass  into 
glory  ;  and  their  bodies  being  still  united  to  Christ, 
do  rest  in  their  graves  till  the  resurrection. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  souls  of  believers  are  at  death  made  perfect  in  holi- 
ness.— Heb.  xii.  23.    To  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  per- 
fect. 

2.  After  death,  the  souls  of  believers  pass  immediately 
into  glory. — Luke,  xxiii.  43.     Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Verily 
I  say  unto  thee,  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  Para- 
dise. 

3.  The  bodies  of  believers,  while  in  their  graves,  remain 
united  to  Christ — 1  Thess.  iv.  14.     Them  ilso  which  sleep 
in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him. 

4.  The  bodies  of  believers  do   rest   in   their  graves. —  Isa. 
Ivii.  2.     They  shall  rest  in  their  beds,  each  one  walking  in 
his  uprightness. 

5.  The  bodies  of  believers  shall  be  raised  from  their  graves 
at  the  last  day. — 1  Thess.  iv.  16.     The  dead  in  Christ  shall 
ris«  first. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  at  death  the  souls  of  those  who  have 


100    BENEFITS  OF  REDEMPTION  AT  DEATH 

truly  believed  in  Christ  are  entirely  set  free  from  all  sin- 
ful desires  and  tendencies ;  they  are  restored  altogether 
to  the  moral  likeness  of  God ;  they  pass  at  once  into  a 
glorious  state  of  existence — a  state  of  holiness — of  larger 
capacities  of  enjoyment — a  state  of  high  dignity,  excel- 
lence, blessedness,  and  permanency.  In  the  meantime, 
their  bodies,  laid  in  the  grave,  are  so  related  to  Christ,  and 
so  regarded  as  members  of  his  own  body  (1  Cor.  vi.  15), 
that  he  will  guard  them  until  the  day  of  resurrection ; — 
their  resurrection  shall  be  provided  for.  (2.)  That  true 
Christians  have  no  reason  for  regret,  on  their  own  account, 
when  death  comes.  (3.)  When  our  Christian  friends  are 
taken  from  us,  there  is  ground  for  rich  consolation.  (4.) 
That  my  daily  prayer  should  be,  "  Let  my  death  be  that 
of  the  righteous ;  let  my  last  end  be  his;  let  me  die  'in 
the  Lord,'  and  not  be  driven  away,  with  the  wicked,  in 
his  wickedness."  (5.)  That  I  owe  everlasting  gratitude 
to  God,  for  the  provisions  of  his  grace  for  encountering 
death,  and  for  the  grand  event  of  the  promised  resurrec- 
tion. (6.)  That  those  are  in  error  who  have  fancied 
either  that  the  Christian's  soul,  at  death,  goes  to  any 
place  inferior  to  heaven,  or  that  it  is  in  an  unconscious 
state  till  the  resurrection. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  give  ? 

1.  "  What  a  satisfying  thought  it  is,"  writes  the  late 
Rev.  SAMUEL  PIERCE,  "that  God  appoints  those  means  of 
dissolution,  whereby  he  gets  most  glory  to  himself.  Of 
all  the  ways  of  dying,  that  which  I  most  dreaded  was  by  a 
consumption  ;  but,  oh  !  my  dear  Lord,  if  by  this  death  I 
can  most  glorify  thee,  I  prefer  it  to  all  others,  and  thank 
thee  that  by  this  means  thou  art  hastening  my  further  en- 
joyment of  Thee  in  a  purer  world.  A  sinless  state ! 
1  Oh,  'tis  a  heaven  worth  dying  for !'  I  cannot  realize 
anything  about  heaven,  but  the  presence  of  Christ,  and 


BENEFITS  OF  REDEMPTION  AT  DEATH.    101 

his  people,  and  a  perfect  deliverance  from  sin  ;  and  I  want 
no  more, — I  am  sick  of  sinning, — soon  I  shall  be  beyond 
its  power. 

'  O  joyful  hour !   O  blest  abode 
I  shall  be  near  and  like  my  God !' " 

2.  "When  HARLAN  PAGE  was  near  death,  he  said  to  a 
clergyman  who  came  in  to  see  him:   "Do  look  out  some 
hymns  that  express  a  great  de&l  jo£  fhieriV§n ,     Manj  #t  jhe 
hymns  seem  tame.     They  are1  pretty  poetry,  but  do  not 
present  the  joys  of  redemption-  and  the>g]ovj;  -cf  jQl^rist.  t 
When  I  have  a  clear  view* -of  Chri^,  jrfyj  iect^^ani^'adj 
I  can  trust  myself  wholly  in  his  hands." 

3.  A  few  days  before  the  REV.  DR.  PAYSON  closed  his 
earthly  career,  he  dictated  a  remarkable  letter  to  a  sister, 
in  which  he  says :  "  Were  I  to  adopt  the  figurative  lan- 
guage of  Bunyan,  I  might  date  this  letter  from  the  land 
of  Beulah,  of  which  I  have  been  for  some  weeks  a  happy 
inhabitant.     The  celestial  city  is  full  in  my  view.     Its 
glories  beam  upon  me,  its  breezes  fan  me,  its  odors  are 
wafted  to  me,  its  sounds  strike  upon  my  ears,  and  its 
spirit  is  breathed  into  my  heart.     Nothing  separates  me 
from  it  but  the  river  of  death,  which  now  appears  but  as 
an  insignificant  rill,  that  may  be  crossed  at  a  single  step, 
whenever  God  shall  give  permission.     The  Sun  of  Right- 
eousness has  been  gradually  drawing  nearer  and  nearer,  ap- 
pearing larger  and  brighter  as  he  approaches,  and  now  he 
fills  the  whole  hemisphere,  pouring  forth  a  flood  of  glory, 
in  which  I  seem  to  float  like  an  insect  in  the  beams  of  the 
sun,  exulting,  yet  almost  trembling,  while  I  gaze  on  this 
excessive  brightness,   and   wondering,  with    unutterable 
wonder,  why  God  should  deign  thus  to  shine  upon  a  sin- 
ful worm.    A  single  heart  and  a  single  tongue  seem  alto- 
gether inadequate  to  my  wants ;  I  want  a  whole  heart 
for  every  separate  emotion,  and  a  whole  tongue  to  ex- 
press that  emotion." 

Q* 


102        .  BENEFITS  OF  REDEMPTION. 

Benefits  of  Redemption  at  the  Resurrection. 
Q.  38.  WHAT  BENEFITS  DO  BELIEVERS  RECEIVE  FROM  CHRIST 

AT  THE   RESURRECTION  ? 

At  the  resurrection,  believers  being  raised  up  in 
glory,  shall  be  openly  acknowledged  and  acquitted 
in  the  day  of  judgment,  and  made  perfectly  blessed, 
in  the  full  snj.oy lug  of  God  to  all  eternity. 

"  !  V-  tffyti  ^rVtfes  are -embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Believers  shall,  at  the  last  day,  be  raised  up^  in  glory. — 
1  Cor.  xv.  43.     It  is  sown  in  dishonor,   it  is  raised  in 
glory. 

2.  Believers  shall  be  openly  acknowledged  by  Christ  at  the 
day  of  judgment. — Luke,  xii.  8.     Whosoever  shall  confess 
me  before  men,  him  shall  the  Son  of  man  also  confess  be- 
fore the  angels  of  God. 

3.  Believers  shall  be  acquitted  by  Christ  in  the  judgment. 
— 1  Pet.  i.  7.      That  the  trial  of  your  faith,  being  much 
more  precious  than  of  gold  that  perisheth,  though  it  be 
tried  with  fire,  might  be  found  unto  praise,  and  honor, 
and  glory,  at  the  appearing  of  Jesus  Christ. 

4.  Believers  shall  be  made  perfectly  blessed  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  God. — 1  Cor.  ii.  9.      Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear 
heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the 
things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him. 

5.  Believers  shall  enjoy  God  through  all  eternity. — 1  Thess. 
iv.  17.     So  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn,  that  at  the  Day  of  Resurrection  true  Christians 
are  greatly  favored  in  these  respects.  (1.)  Their  bodies 
are  brought  up  from  the  grave  in  a  form  and  structure 
of  great  beauty,  and  splendor,  and  incorruptibleness, 
like  unto  Christ's  honored  body  (Phil.  iii.  21.)  (2.)  In 
the  subsequent  day,  when  God  shall  decide  upon  the  ever- 
lasting states  of  men,  true  Christians  shall  be  discharged 


BENEFITS    OF    REDEMPTION  103 

from  all  the  consequences  of  sin,  and,  before  the  whole 
world,  shall  be  owned  by  God,  and  received  as  his  chil- 
dren ;  they  shall  be  introduced  into  a  state  of  endless 
honor  and  happiness,  with  Christ  and  his  holy  angels ; 
they  shall  there  be  blessed  in  an  everlasting  freedom  from 
sin  and  suffering;  in  the  noblest  exercise  of  all  those 
affections  which  render  the  soul  like  to  God,  and  in  the 
delightful  consciousness  that  God  is  present  with  them  to 
communicate  a  joy  unspeakable  in  degree,  and  endless  in 
duration.  (2.)  To  bless  God  for  taking  away  from  his 
people  the  gloom  of  the  grave.  (3.)  To  commit  the  bodies 
of  Christian  friends  who  have  died,  to  the  care  of  their 
faithful  and  kind  Redeemer.  (4.)  To  trust  his  boundless 
power  and  faithfulness  to  re-form  them  out  of  a  state  of 
dust  into  a  likeness  to  his  own  perfect  body.  (5.)  To  pre- 
pare myself  for  the  judgment,  by  trusting  in  Christ  now, 
and  by  serving  him  in  all  fidelity  and  cheerfulness.  (6.) 
At  the  hour  of  death,  to  commit  my  soul  and  body  to  hia 
keeping,  that  the  one  may  rest  safely  its  appointed  time, 
in  the  grave,  and  that  the  other  may  be  conducted  at  once 
to  his  heavenly  presence. 

''  And  a  trump  shall  be  blown,  and  the  dead  shall  awake 
From  their  long  silent  sleep  that  no  morning  could  break ; 
From  their  long  silent  sleep  of  a  million  of  years — 
The  righteous  with  hope,  and  the  wicked  with  fears. 
"  And  their  Judge  shall  descend  on  his  chariot— the  cloud ; 
And  the  awe  shall  be  deep,  and  the  wail  shall  be  loud  ; 
And  the  race  of  mankind  shall  with  justice  be  given 
To  the  terrors  of  hell,  or  the  glories  of  heaven."— KNOX. 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  A  WORD  FITLY  SPOKEN. — A  man  of  desperate  opinions, 
travelling  in  a  stage  coach,  who  had  indulged  in  a  strain 
which  betrayed  licentiousness  and  infidelity,  seemed  hurt 
that  no  one  either  agreed  or  disputed  with  him.  "  Well," 
he  exclaimed  as  a  funeral  procession  slowly  passed  the 
coach,  "  there  is  the  end  of  alL"  "  No  1"  replied  the  voico 


104  BENEFITS    OF   REDEMPTION. 

of  a  person  directly  opposite  to  him,  "  no  I  for  after  deajb 
is  the  judgment."  The  words  produced  a  good  end  at  the 
time,  for  they  silenced  the  speaker  ;  and  perhaps  they 
were,  by  God's  grace,  ingrafted  in  his  heart. 

2.  LORD  HENRY  OTHO,  a  follower  of  John  Huss,  having 
received  sentence  of  condemnation  from  his  Popish  judges, 
said :  "  Kill  my  body,  disperse  my  members  whither  you 
please,  yet  do  I  believe  that  my  Saviour  will  gather  them 
together  again,  and  clothe  them  with  akin ;  so  that  with 
these  eyes  I  shall  see  him  ;  with  these  ears  I  shall  hear 
him ;  with  this  tongue  I  shall  praise  him,  and  rejoice  with 
this  heart  forever."    As  he  was  going  to  the  scaffold,  he 
said  to  the  minister,  "  I  am  sure  that  Christ  Jesus  will 
meet  my  soul  with  his  angels  -T  this  death,  I  know,  shall 
not  separate  me  from  him."    After  he  had  prayed  silently, 
he  said :  "  Into  thy  hands,  O  Lord,  I  commend  my  spirit ; 
have  pity  on  me  through  Jesus  Christ,  and  let  me  see  thy 
glory,"  and  so  he  received  the  stroke  of  the  sword. 

3.  Rev.    CHARLES    SIMEON    says:    "I  was  waiting    in 
Horsley-Down  church  yard  for  a  corpse  which  I  was  en- 
gaged to  bury,  and  for  my  amusement  was  reading  the 
epitaphs  upon  the  tomb-stones.     Having  read  very  many 
which  would  have  been  as  suitable  for  Jews  or  heathens, 
as  for  the  persons  concerning  whom  they  were  written 
I  at  last  came  to  one  that  characterized  a  Christian  : 

*When  from  the  dust  of  death  I  rise, 
To  claim  my  mansion  in  the  skies, 
Even  then  shall  this  be  all  my  plea : 
1  Jesus  hath  lived  and  died  for  me.'  " 

4.  THE  RESURRECTION. — A  FREE-THINKER  once  said  to  R. 
Gahita,  "Ye  fools  who  believe  in  a  resurrection!     See 
you  not  that  the  Uving  die  ?     How  then  can  ye  believe 
that  the  dead  shall  live  ?"     "  Silly  man,"  replied  Gahita, 
"  thou  believest  in  creation.     Well,  then,  if  what  never 
before  existed  now  exists,,  why  may  not  that  which  once 
existed  exist  again  f ' 


PART  II, 

THE  DUTY  WHICH  GOD  REQUIRES  OF  MAN. 


Nature  of  Man's  Duty  in  general. 

Q.  89.  WHAT  is  THE  DUTY  WHICH  GOD  EEQUIRES  OF  MAN  \ 
The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man,  is  obedi- 
ence to  his  revealed  will. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  There  are  certain  duties  required  by  God  from  man. — 
Deut.  x.  12.     And  now,  Israel,  what  doth   the  Lord  thy 
God  require  of  thee  but  to  fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  to 
walk  in  all  his  ways  and  to  love  him,  and  to  serve  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart  and  with  all  thy  soul. 

2.  The  sum  of  man's  duty  to  God  is  obedience. — 1  Sam. 
xv.  22.     Behold,  to  obey  is  better  than  sacrifice,  and  to 
hearken  than  the  fat  of  rams. 

3.  The  extent  of  the  obedience  required  by  God  is  a  uni- 
versal obedience. — James,  ii.  10.     Whosoever  shall  keep  the 
whole  law,  and  yet  offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of 
all. 

4.  The  quality  of  obedience  required  from  man  is  a  perfect 
and  perpetual  obedience. — Mat.  xxii.  37.     Thou  shalt  love 
the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 

5.  The  only  rule  of  man's  obedience  is  the  revealed  will  of 
God. — Micah,  vi.  8.     He  hath  showed  thee,  0  man,  what 
is  good;   and  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to 
do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with 
thy  God. 


106    NATURE  OF  MA»*S  DUTY  IN  GENERAL. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  am  not  at  liberty  to  do  what  I  may 
feel  inclined  to  do,  irrespective  of  what  God  requires  or 
forbids.  (2.)  I  owe  him  a  fearful  debt  (of  penal  suffering) 
for  having  done  so  much  that  He  has  forbidden,  and  neg- 
lected so  much  that  he  has  enjoined.  (3.)  That  I  should 
earnestly  study  the  Scriptures,  with  a  view  to  act  as  they 
inculcate,  both  in  the  way  of  obedience  to  precept  and  of 
obtaining  deliverance  from  the  punishment  which  my 
past  disobedience  has  merited. 

What  Illustrations  do  you  give  ? 

1.  THE  NEWGATE  PRISONER. — Dr.  F.,  the  chaplain  of  New- 
gate, relates  the  incident,  that  when  a  reprieve  arrived 
for  one  under  sentence  of  death,  he  returned  a  Bible  and 
Prayer-book,  which  the  doctor  had  given  him,  with  his 
thanks,  observing  that  he  had  no  further  need  of  them  now  / 
So  much  is  it  beyond  the  power  or  disposition  of  un- 
assisted nature  to  attend  any  longer  to  the  requisitions 
of  God  than  while  the  terrors  of  the  law  and  the  dread 
of  wrath  are  impending ;  and  so  little  is  this  state  of 
feeling  worth,  if  that  be  all. 

2.  THE  BURMAN  CONVERT. — As  Mrs.  Judson,  one  day,  was 
reading  with  him  Christ's  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  he  was 
deeply  impressed,  and  unusually  solemn.    "  These  words," 
said  he,  "  take  hold  of  my  very  heart ;   they  make  me 
tremble.     Here  God  commands  us  to  do  everything  that 
is  good  in  secret,  not  to  be  seen  of  men.     How  unlike  our 
religion  is  this  1     When  Burmans  make  offerings  to  the 
Pagodas,  they  make  a  great  noise  with  drums  and  musi- 
cal instruments,  that  others  may  see  how  good  they  are. 
But  this  religion  makes  the  mind  fear  God;  it  makes  it, 
of  its  own  accord,  fear  sin." 

3.  DUTIES. — Mr.  Dyer  has  well  observed:  "Take  up  al* 


OF   THE   MORAL   LAW,  107 

Duties  in  point  of  performance,  and  lay  them  down  in 
point  of  dependence.  Duty  can  never  hare  too  much  of 
our  diligence,  nor  too  little  of  our  confidence." 

Of  the  Moral  Law. 
Q.  40.  WHAT  DID  GOD  AT  FIRST  REVEAL  TO  MAN  FOR  THE 

RULE   OF   HIS    OBEDIENCE? 

The  rule  which  God  at  first  revealed  to  man  for 
his  obedience,  was  the  moral  law. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  There  was  a  fast  rule  of  obedience  given  to  man  in  the 
constitution  of  his  nature. — Rom.  ii,  15.     Which  show  the 
work  of  the  law  written  in  their  hearts. 

2.  There  was  a  second  rule  of  obedience  given  by  God  to  his 
church  in  the  ceremonial  law. — Gal.   iii.    19,      Wherefore 
then  serve th  the  law  ?     It  was  added  because  of  trans- 
gressions, till  the  seed  should  come  to  whom  the  promise 
was  made. 

3.  27i<?  second,  or  ceremonial  law,  was  but  temporary  and 
instituted  for  a  special  purpose. — GaL  iii.  24.     The  law  was 
our  schoolmaster  to  bring  us  unto  Christ. 

4.  The  second,  or  ceremonial  lawt  is  now  set  aside. — Heb. 
vii.  18.     There  is  verily  a  disannuling  of  the  command- 
ment going  before,  for  the  weakness  and  unprofitableness 
thereof. 

5.  The  first  rule  of  obedience  given  to  man  in  the  consti- 
tution of  his  nature,  was  the  moral  law. — Gen.  i.  27.     God 
created  man  in  his  own  image. 

6.  The  moral  law  is  universal  and  unchangeable. — Mat. 
v.  18.      Verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Till  heaven  and  earth 
pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in  no  wise  pass  from  the 
law,  till  all  be  fulfilled. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  1 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  am  bound  to  act  at  all  times  accord- 
ing to  the  moral  rule  which  God  has  laid  down.  (2.)  This 
implies  that  I  am  a  moral  and  accountable  being. 


108   OF  THE  SUMMARY  OF  THE  MORAL  LAW. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  give  ? 

1.  A  TENDER  CONSCIENCE. — Some  men's  consciences  are 
like  the  stomach  of  the  ostrich,  that  digests  iron ;  they 
can  swallow  and  concoct  the  most  notorious  sins  (swear- 
ing, drunkenness,  <fec.)  without  regret.      Bnt  a  good  con- 
science is  the  most  tender  thing  in  the  whole  world ;  it 
feels  the  touch  of  known  sin,  and  grieves  at  the  grieving 
of  God's  good  Spirit. — Gibbon. 

2.  A  GOOD  SORT  OF  COWARDICE. — To  be  such  a  coward 
as  not  to  dare  to  break  any  one  of  God's  commandments, 
is  to  be  the  most  valiant  person  in  the  world ;  for  such 
an  one  will  choose  the  greatest  evil  of  suffering  before  the 
least  of  sinning ;  and,  however  the  jeering  Ishrnaels  of 
the  world  may  be  ready  to  reproach  and  to  laugh  one  to 
scorn  for  "  this  niceness  and  scrupulosity,"  as  they  term 
it,  yet  the  choice  is  a  very  wise  one. — Gibbon. 

3.  BE  JUST. — While  Athens  was  governed  by  the  thirty 
tyrants,  Socrates  was  summoned  to  the  Senate  House,  and 
ordered  to  go,    with    some  other    persons,  whom   they 
named,  to  seize  one  Leon,  a  man  of  rank  and  fortune, 
whom  they  determined  to  put  out  of  the  way,  that  they 
might  enjoy  his  estate.     This  commission  Socrates  posi- 
tively refused.      " I  will  not,  willingly,"  said  he,  "assist 
in  an  unjust  act."     Chericles  sharply  replied,  "  Dost  thon 
think,  Socrates,  to  talk  in  this  high  tone,  and  not  to 
suffer."     "Far  from  it,"  he  replied,  "I  expect  to  suffer  a 
thousand  ills,  but  none  so  great  as  to  do  unjustly."    A 
noble  sentiment  for  those  whose  minds  were  only  enlight- 
ened   by   philosophy   and    natural   religion. — Christian 
Treasury. 

Of  the  Summary  of  the  Moral  Law. 

Q.  41.  WHEREIN  is  THE  MORAL  LAW  SUMMARILY  COMPRE- 
HENDED ? 


OF  THE  SUMMARY  OF  THE  MORAL  LAW.   109 

The  moral  law  is  summarily  comprehended  in 
the  ten  commandments. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  moral  law  is  fully  contained  in  the  Scriptures. — 2 
Tim.  iii.  16,  17.     All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of 
God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  cor- 
rection, for  instruction  in  righteousness;   that  the  man 
of  God  may  be  perfect,   thoroughly  furnished  unto  all 
good  works. 

2.  There  are  summaries  of  the  moral  law. — Rom.  xiii.  3. 
If  there  be  any  other  commandment,  it  is  briefly  compre- 
hended in  this  saying,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as 
thyself. 

3.  The  sum  of  the  moral  law  is  contained  in  tfie  ten  com- 
mandments.— Deut.  x.  4.     He  wrote  on  the  tables,  accord- 
to  the  first  writing,  the  ten  commandments,   which  the 
Lord  spake  unto  you  in  the  mount. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  To  admire  the  wisdom  of  God  that  has  em- 
bodied in  so  few  words  all  the  duties  which  we  owe  to 
God  and  to  man.  (2.)  That  it  cannot  be  difficult  to  find 
out  what  God  would  have  me  to  do.  (3.)  That  ignorance 
of  the  law  will  form  no  just  excuse  for  sinning  against 
God.  (4.)  That  the  glorious  majesty  of  God,  who  gave 
the  Ten  Commandments,  is  a  reason  for  earnest  and  con- 
stant care  to  comply  with  his  demands. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  JONATHAN  EDWARDS,  when  about  twenty  years  of  age, 
drew  up  seventy  resolutions,  setting  forth  his  intentions 
and  purposes  relating  to  his  future  conduct,  so  far  as  God 
should  give  him  grace  to  perform  them.  Among  the  rest 
are  the  following :  "  Resolved  to  do  whatever  I.  think  to 
be  my  duty,  and  most  for  the  good  and  advantage  of  man- 
kind in  general.  Resolved  so  to  do,  whatever  difficulties ., 
T  meet  with,  how  many  soever,  and  how  g|:eat  soever,. 
10 


110  SUM    OP    THE    TEN    COMMANDMENTS. 

2.  ROWLAND  HILL  AND  THE  ANTINOMIAN. — An  AntinomLin 
one  day  called  on  Rowland  Hill,  to  bring  him  to  an  ac- 
count for  preaching  what  he  regarded  as  a  severe  and 
legal  gospel.  "  Do  you,  sir,"  asked  Rowland,  "  hold  the 
ten  commandments  to  be  a  rule  of  life  to  Christians  ? ' 
"Certainly  not,"  replied  the  visitor.  The  minister  rang 
the  bell,  and,  on  the  servant  making  his  appearance,  he 
quietly  added,  "  John,  show  that  man  the  door,  and  keep 
your  eye  on  him  until  he  is  beyond  the  reach  of  every 
article  of  wearing  apparel,  or  other  property  in  the 
hall." 

Sum  of  the  Ten  Commandments. 
Q.  42.  WHAT  is  THE  SUM  OF  THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS  ? 

The  sum  of  the  ten  commandments  is,  To  love 
the  Lord  our  God  with  all  our  heart,  with  all. our 
soul,  with  all  our  strength,  and  with  all  our  mind, 
and  our  neighbor  as  ourselves. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  thr*  Answer  ? 

1.  The  sum  of  the  moral  law  and  the  ten  commandments 
are  comprehended  in  two   commandments. — Mat.  xxii.  40. 
On  these  two  commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

2.  Love  to  God  is  the  first  and  principal  subject  of  the  ten 
commandments. — Mat.  xxii.  37,  38.     Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
and  with  all  thy  mind.     This  is  the  first  and  great  com- 
mandment. 

3.  Our  duty  to  our  neighbor,  is  the  second  subject  of  the 
ten  commandments. — Mat.  xxii.   39.      The  second  is  like 
unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  my  whole  duty  is  embraced  in  the 
proper  exercise  of  love.     (2 )  That  God,  being  possessed 


SUM    OF   THE   TEN    COMMANDMENTS.  Ill 

of  infinite  excellence  and  the  chief  source  of  all  good,  de- 
serves, and  must  have,  all  the  love  I  am  capable  of  feel- 
ing; I  cannot  love  God  too  much.  (3.)  That  I  may  love 
myself  and  promote  my  own  interest.  (4.)  That  in  so 
doing,  I  am  to  regard  the  commands  and  will  of  God.  (5.) 
That  the  law  of  God  requires  me  to  feel  an  interest  in 
the  welfare  of  my  neighbor,  as  well  as  in  my  own  :  and 
this  is  obviously  right ;  for,  like  myself,  he  is  an  intelli- 
gent and  immortal  being ;  his  happiness  is  of  equal  value 
with  my  own ;  his  rights  are  worth  as  much  to  him,  as 
mine  to  me ;  in  the  dispensation  of  providence  I  should 
therefore  be  as  willing  that  God  should  consult  my 
neighbor's  rights  and  happiness,  as  that  he  should  con- 
sult mine,  and  I  should  rejoice  in  all  the  real  good  of  my 
neighbor,  as  in  my  own.  (6.)  I  am  bound  to  love  all 
men,  in  this  sense,  and  to  promote  their  happiness, 
whether  they  are  good  or  bad,  rich  or  poor,  friend  or 
enemy ; — all  to  whom  I  can  make  myself  useful. 

What  Illustrations  follow  ? 

1.  DR.  RICHARDS. — The  late    Rev.    Dr.    Richards,  of 
Auburn,   cherished  the  most  abasing  views  of  his  own 
character.     He  was  once  asked,   "  Do  you  suppose  that 
you  have  ever,  for  a  moment,  loved  God  as  much  as  you 
ought r   and  his  immediate  answer  was,    "No,    NOT   A 
THOUSANDTH  PART  ;"    and  burst   into    tears. — Gridlei/s  Me- 
moir. 

2.  THE  BOY  THAT  DID  GOOD. — There  once  lived  a  boy 
in  Chester,  named  William   Tyrrel.      He  was    a   rosy- 
cheeked,  stout,  brave,  little  fellow,  and  a  great  favorite 
with  all  the  neighbors.     At  school,  no  one  was  oftener  at 
the  head  of  his  class,  and  no  one  brought  home  more 
tickets.     One  night,  as  the  family  were  all  sitting  round 
a  bright  sparkling  fire,  Mr.  Tyrrel  said,  "  Children,  what 
makes  you  most  happy  ?"    Some  answered  one  thing,  and 


112  SUM    OF    THE    TEN    COMMANDMENTS. 

some  another,  but  William  looked  up  and  said :  "  Father, 
I  think  I  am  happiest  when  I  can  make  otiier  people 
happy."  "  Right,  right,  my  son,"  said  Mr.  Tyrrel,  "  stick 
to  that  all  your  life,  and  you  will  be  a  happy  man.  Re- 
member the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how  he  said,  '  It  is 
more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.' " 

3.  THE  LITTLE  GIRL  THAT  EVERYBODY  LOVED. — Dr.  Dodd- 
ridge  one  day  asked  his  little  girl  why  it  was  that  every- 
body loved  her.     "  I  know  not,"  she  replied,  "except  that 
I  love  everybody."    This  is  the  true  secret  of  being  loved. 

0"  He  that  hath  (or  would  have)  friends,"  saith  Solomon, 
"  must  show  himself  friendly."  Love  begets  love.  If  no- 
body loves  you,  it  is  your  own  fault. 

4.  THE  MORAVIAN  COTTAGER, — During  a  war  in  Germany, 
a  captain  of  cavalry  was  ordered  out  on  a  party  for 
getting  provisions.     He  marched,  with  his  party,  into  a 
solitary  and  wooded  valley.     In  the  middle  of  it  stood  a 
little  cottage ;  on  perceiving  it,  he  rode  up  and  knocked 
at  the  door.     Out  comes  an  ancient  Hernhutter,  with  i\ 
beard  silvered  by  age.     "Father,"  says  the  officer,  "show 
me  a  field  where  I  can  set  my  troopers  to  work  to  get 
grain."     "  Presently,"  replied  the  Hernhutter.     The  good 
old  man  walked  before,  and  conducted  them  out  of  the 
valley.     After  a  quarter  of  an  hour's  march  they  found  a 
field  of  barley.     "There  is  the  very  thing  that  we  want," 
says  the  captain.     "  Have  patience  for  a  few  minutes,"  re- 
plied the  guide,  "  and  you  shall  be  satisfied."    They  went 
on,  and  about  the  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  league  fur- 
ther, they  arrived  at  another  field  of  barley.     The  troop 
immediately  dismounted,  cut  down  the  grain,  trussed  it 
up,  and  re-mounted.     The  officer,  upon  this,  says  to  his 
conductor,  "  Father,  you  have  given  yourself  and  us  un- 
necessary trouble ;  the  first  field  was  much  better  than 
this."     "  Very  true,  sir,"  replied  the  good  old  man,  "BUT 
IT  WAS  NOT  MINE."    Here  we  have  a  beautiful  practical 


PREFACE   TO   THE    TEN    COMMANDMENTS.         113 

exhibition  of  love  to  our  neighbor,  and  of  calm  resignation 
to  the  providential  dispensations  of  God.  How  few  pro- 
fessed Christians  have  been  found  acting  in  this  manner ! 
And  yet,  I  doubt  not,  that  this  good  man  would  experi- 
ence more  true  satisfaction  in  the  temper  and  conduct  he 
displayed,  than  if  he  had  either  offered  resistance,  prac- 
tised dissimulation,  or  set  the  troop  to  plunder  his  neigh- 
bor's field. — Dick's  Philosophy  of  Religion. 

5.  Love  thy  Netjhbor  as  Thyself. — The  Rev.  John  Howe, 
one  of  the  chaplains  of  Cromwell,  was  applied  to  by  men 
of  all  parties,  for  protection,  nor  did  he  refuse  his  influ- 
ence to  any  on  account. of  difference  in  religious  opinions. 
One  day  the  Protector  said  to  him:  "Mr.  Howe,  you 
have  asked  favors  for  every  one  besides  yourself;  pray, 
when  does  your  turn  come  ?"    He  replied :  "  My  turn,  my 
Lord  Protector,  is  always  come,  WHEN  I  CAN  SERVE  AN- 
OTHER." 

6.  THE  GOLDEN  RULE. — "One  of  my  great  principles," 
said  Robert  Owen  to  Mr.  Wilberforce,   "  is,  that  persons 
ought  to  place  themselves  in  the  situation  of  others,  and 
act  as  they  would  wish  themselves  to  be  treated."     "  Is 
that  quite  a  new  principle,  Mr.  Owen  ?"  was  his  answer, 
with  a  look  of  suppressed  humor ;  "  I  think  I  have  read 
something  very  like  it  in  a  book  called  the  New  Testa- 
ment." 

Preface  to  the  Ten  Commandments. 

Q.  43.  WHAT  is  THE  PREFACE  TO  THE  TEN  COMMAND- 
MENTS ? 

The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  is  in  these 
words,  "I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  have 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the 
house  of  bondage." 

10* 


114        PREFACE    TO    THE    TEN    COMMANDMENTS. 

Q.  44.  WHAT  DOTH  THE  PREFACE  TO  THE  TEN  COMMAND- 
MENTS TEACH  US? 

The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  teacheth 
us,  That  because  God  is  the  Lord,  and  our  God, 
and  Redeemer,  therefore  we  are  bound  to  keep  all 
his  commandments. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  thj>s  Answer  ? 

1.  God  is  the  Lord  of  all. — 1  Tim.  vi.  15.     The  Messed 
and  only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings,    and    Lord  of 
lords. 

2.  God  is  our  God. — Psal.  xlviii.  14.     This  God  is  our 
God  for  ever  and  ever. 

3.  God  is  our  Redeemer. — Isa.  Ixiii.  16.     Thou,  0  Lord, 
art  our  Father,  our  Redeemer. 

4.  Because  God  is  the  Lord,  therefore  we  should  keep  his 
commandments. — Psal.  xlv.  11.     He  is  thy  Lord ;  and  wor- 
ship thou  him. 

6.  Because  God  is  our  God,  therefore  we  should  keep  his 
commandments. — Josh.  xxiv.  18.  Therefore  will  we  also 
serve  the  Lord ;  for  he  is  our  God. 

6.  Because  God  is  our  Redeemer,  therefore  we  should  keep 
his  commandments. — 1  Cor.  vi.  20.  Ye  are  bought  with 
a  price :  therefore  glorify  God  in  your  body,  and  in  your 
spirit,  which  are  God's. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  Israelites,  when  in  Egypt,  were 
slaves.  (2.)  That  their  relation  to  God  as  his  chosen 
nation,  and  their  remarkable  deliverance,  by  the  power 
of  God,  laid  them  under  special  obligations  to  obey  and 
love  him.  (3.)  I  am  reminded  of  my  own  natural  state 
— a  state  of  slavery  to  sin,  to  Satan,  and  to  the  world. 
(4.)  I  am  reminded  of  the  great  deliverance  which  Jesus, 
by  his  death,  has  purchased  for  me,  from  sin,  from  Satan, 
and  from  hell.  (5.)  lam  bound,  therefore,  by  the  high 
authority,  as  well  as  by  the  infinite  mercy  of  God,  to 


PREFACE    TO    THE    TEN    COMMANDMENTS.         115 

keep  all  those  commandments  which  he  designed  not  only 
for  the  Israelites  but  for  the  rest  of  mankind,  and  which 
are  briefly  condensed  into  the  Ten  now  to  be  considered. 
(6.)  I  notice  that  the  Preface,  and  each  of  the  following 
commands,  are  adapted  to  men,  not  as  masses,  but  as 
individuals,  and  hence  I  am  taught  to  feel  my  own  per- 
sonal obligations  to  obedience. 

What  Illustrations  are  there? 

1.  THE  WIDOW  of  a  pious  Scottish  minister  was  sitting 
by  her  lonely  fire-side,  the  morning  after  the  death  of  her 
valued  husband,  lamenting  her  forlorn  and  destitute  con- 
dition, when  her  little  son,  but  five  years  of  age,  entered 
the  room.      Seeing  the  deep  distress  of  his  mother,  he 
stole  softly  to  her  side,  looked  wistfully  into  her  face,  and 

.said:  "Mother,  mother,  is  God  dead?"  Soft  as  the  gentle 
whispers  of  an  angel  did  the  simple  accent  of  the  dear 
boy  fall  upon  the  ear  of  the  disconsolate  mother.  A 
heavenly  radiance  lighted  up  her  pale  features.  Then 
pressing  her  little  boy  fondly  to  her  bosom,  she  ex- 
claimed: "  No,  no,  my  son,  God  is  not  dead ;  he  lives,  and 
has  promised  to  be  a  father  to  the  fatherless — a  husband 
to  the  widow.  His  promises  are  sure  and  steadfast,  and 
upon  them  I  will  firmly  and  implicitly  rely."  Her  tears 
were  dried,  and  her  murmurings  forever  hushed.  The 
event  proved  that  her  confidence  was  not  misplaced. 

2.  THE  BIBLE   SAYS    so. — CHILDREN    should    be    early 
taught  that  the  Bible  is  the  great  authority ;  and  that 
when  it  speaks  upon   any  point,  the  question  is  settled 
forever.     They  should  be  taught  to  go  directly  to  the 
Scripture,  to  find  what  is  good  and  what  is  bad,  what  is 
true,  and  what  is  false.     Thus,  with  the  blessing  of  God, 
they  will  acquire  -the  habit  of  constantly  subordinating 
their  own  notions  and  inclinations  to  the  plain  declara- 
tions of  Scripture.     It  is  a  good  sign  to  have  a  child 
often  use  the  expression,  "  The  Bible  says  so." 


116  DUTIES   REQUIRED. 


DUTIES  WHICH  WE  OWE  TO  GOD. 

THE   FIRST    COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  45.  WHICH  is  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  first  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  have  no 

other  gods  before  me. 

• 

Duties   Required. 

Q.  46.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT? 

The  first  commandment  requireth  us  to  know* 
and  acknowledge  God  to  be  the  only  true  God, 
and  our  God ;  and  to  worship  and  glorify  him  ac- 
cordingly. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We    are     required    to    know    God. — Job,    xxii.    21. 
Acquaint  now  thyself  with  him. 

2.  We  are  required  to  know  God  as  the  only  true  God. — 
Hosea,  xiii.  4.     Thou  shalt  know  no  God  but  me. 

3.  We  are  required  to  know  God  as  our  God. — Jer.  xxiv. 
7.     I  will  give  them  an  heart  to  know  me,  that  I  am 
the  Lord:  and  they  shall  be  my  people,  and  I  will  be 
their  God. 

4.  We  are  required  to  acknowledge  God  as  the  only  true 
God. — 2  Kings,  xix.   15.     Thou  art  the  God,  even  thou 
alone. 

5.  We  are  required  to  acknowledge  God  to  be  our  God. 
— Psal.  xlviii.  14.     This  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and 
ever. 

6.  We  are  required  to  worship  God  as  the  only  true  God, 
— Mat.  iv.  10.      Thou  shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve. 


FIRST    COMMANDMENT.  117 

7.  We  are  required  to  worship  God  as  our  God. — Psal. 
xcv.  6,  7.     0  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down  :  let  us 
kneel  before  the  Lord  our  Maker.     For  he  is  our  God ; 
and  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture. 

8.  We  are  required  to  glorify  God  as  the  only  true  God. — 
1  Chron.  xvi.  25,  '2Q.     Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to 
be  praised :  he  also  is  to  be  feared  above  all  Gods.     For 
all  the  gods  of  the  people  are  idols :  but  the  Lord  made 
the  heavens. 

9.  We  are  required  to  glorify  God  as  our   God. — Psal. 
cxlv.  1.     I  will  extol  thee,  my  God,  O  King;  and  I  will 
bless  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  must  have  a  God.  (2.)  That  I  must 
have  Jehovah  the  God  of  Israel,  and  none  other  as  my 
God.  (3.)  In  view  of  what  He  is — a  being  of  infinite 
perfection,  and  of  what  He  has  done  for  me  and  for  the 
universe,  I  must  love,  revere,  obey,  submit  to,  exalt,  and 
praise  Him,  above  all  other  beings,  and  to  the  utmost  of 
my  ability,  or  I  cannot  claim  to  have  rendered  to  Him 
what  I  owe,  nor  fully  to  have  honored  him  as  my  God. 
(4.)  So  far  as  I  have  failed  to  do  this,  I  have  transgressed 
this  commandment,  I  have  wronged  God  and  my  own 
soul.  (5.)  A  proper  regard  to  God  will  lead  me  to  em- 
ploy my  best  influence  over  my  fellow  men,  to  bring 
them  to  right  views  of  God  and  to  right  feelings,  and  a 
proper  course  of  conduct  towards  Him.  (6.)  It  will  thus 
lead  me  to  promote,  in  all  proper  ways,  the  missionary 
cause,  and  revivals  of  pure  religion. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  A  LITTLE  BOY  asked  his  mother  how  many  gods  there 
were.  A  younger  brother  answered,  "  Why,  one  to  be 
sure."  "  But  how  do  you  know  that  ?"  inquired  the 
other.  "  Because,"  answered  the  other,  "  God  fills  every 
place,  so  there  is  no  room  for  any  other." 


118  FIRST    COMMANDMENT. 

2.  COLLINS,  the  celebrated  English  infidel,  once  meeting 
a  plain  countryman,  inquired  where  he  was  going.     "To 
church,  sir."     "  What  to  do  there  \"     "  To  worship  God." 
"  Pray  tell  me,  is  your  god  a  great  or  a  little  god  ?"    "  He 
is  so  great,  sir,  that  the  heavens  cannot  contain  him,  and 
so  little  that  he  can  dwell  in  my  heart."     Collins  after- 
wards declared  that  this  simple  but  sublime  answer  had 
more  effect  on  his  sceptical  mind  than  all  the  volumes  he 
had  ever  read. 

3.  "Sir,"  said  a  lady  to  the  Rev.  Wm.  Romaine,  of 
London,  "  I  like  the  doctrine  you  preach,   and  think  I 
can  give    up  everything    but    one."      "What    is   that, 
madam?"     "  Cards,  sir."      "  You  think  you  could  not  be 
happy  without  them  ?"     "  No,  sir,  I  could  not,"     "  Then, 
madam,  they  are  your  God,  and  to  them  you  must  look  for 
salvation."    This  pointed  and  faithful  reply  is  said  to 
have  led  to  her  conversion. 

4.  To  FEAR  GOD,  is  to  have  such  a  holy  care  of  God 
upon  our  hearts,  that  we  dare  not  sin.     The  wicked  sin 
and  fear  not :  the  godly  fear  and  sin  not :  "  how  then  can 
1  do  this  wickedness  and  sin  against  God  ?"     It  is  a  say- 
ing of  ANSELM,    "  If  hell  were  on  one  side,  and  sin  on 
the  other,  I  would  rather  leap  into  hell  than  willingly 
sin  against  my  God." 

5.  CITY  HEATHEN. — An  excellent  but  somewhat  eccen- 
tric clergyman,  one  Sabbath,  at  the  close  of  the  services, 
gave  notice  to  his  congregation  that  in  the  course  of  the 
week  he  expected  to  go  on  a  mission  to  the  heathen.    The 
members  of  his  church  were  struck  with  alarm  and  sor- 
row at  the  sudden  and  unexpected  loss  of  their  beloved 
pastor,   and  one  of  the  deacons,  in  great  agitation,  ex- 
claimed, "  What  shall  we  do  ?"      "  Oh,  brother  C ," 

said  the  minister,  with  great  apparent  ease,    "I  do  not 
expect  to  go  out  of  town." 

6.  THE  CITY  CHRISTIAN. — A  pious  and  intelligent  female 


FIRST   COMMANDMENT.  119 

member  of  Rev.  Mr.  James'  church,  in  Birmingham,  Eng- 
land, upon  her  death-bed,  said  to  him,  "  What  a  mercy  it 
is  that  the  work  is  finished,  and  that,  when  in  health,  1 
sought  God  with  all  my  heart,  in  his  own  appointed  way.  I 
cannot  talk  to-day,  I  feel  so  ill ;  but  all  is  sweet  peace 
within.  I  die  resting  simply  on  the  righteousness  of 
Christ."  In  the  evening  she  said,  "  My  God,  my  Bible, 
and  my  Saviour,  are  increasing  sources  of  happiness,  to 
which  I  can  turn  at  any  moment,  without  disappoint- 
ment, and  I  find  them  more  solid  as  other  things  fade 
away." 

7.  WORLDLY  AMUSEMENTS. — If  Christians  join  in  what 
are  called  worldly  amusements  (says  Jones),  I  ask  nothing 
about  their  creed.  They  show  their  taste  ;  that  is  enough. 
A  mere  creed,  however  correct,  will  save  no  man.  The 
influence  of  the  creed  is  the  essential  matter.  He  who 
cultivates  a  sound  spiritual  taste  cannot  relish  frivolity. 
Most  of  what  is  said  about  amusements  is  said  to  no  pur- 
pose. Taste,  not  logic,  rules  the  world.  A  new  nature 
— a  relish  for,  a  delight  in,  the  sublime  and  holy,  the  infinite 
and  eternal : — plant  this  in  the  soul  of  man,  and  he  looks 
upon  the  world's  amusements  as  mere  cobwebs.  He  fur- 
ther says :  "  I  reject  many  things  which  I  do  not  account 
sinful  in  the  abstract.  I  look  to  influence  and  conse- 
quences. A  thing  may  be  lawful,  and  yet  not  expedient.- 
'  If  the  Lord  be  God,  follow  him;  but  if  Baal,  follow  him/ 
The  people  of  the  world  should  see  what  master  we  serve. 
They  are  consistent  in  their  cause  and  course :  Christiana 
ought  to  be  equally  so  in  theirs." 

Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  47.  WHAT  is  FORBIDDEN  IN  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT! 
The  first  commandment  forbiddeth  the  denying, 
or  not  worshipping  and  glorifying  the  true  God,  as 


120  FIRST   COMMANDMENT. 

God  and  our  God ;  and  the  giving  of  that  worship 
and  glory  to  any  other  which  is  due  to  him  alone. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  not  to  deny  God. — Psal.  xiv.  1.     The  fool  hath 
said  in  his  heart,  There  is  no  God. 

2.  We  are  not  to  refuse  or  neglect  to  worship  God. — Isa. 
xliii.  22.     Thou  hast  not  called  upon  me,  O  Jacob ;  but 
thou  hast  been  weary  of  me,  0  Israel. 

3.  We  are  not  to  refuse  or  neglect  to  glorify  God. — Dan.  v. 
23.     The  God  in  whose  hand  thy  breath  is,  and  whose 
are  all  thy  ways,  hast  thou  not  glorified. 

4.  We  are  not  improperly  to  worship  God,  as  if  he  were  not 
the  only  true  God. — Mat.  xv.  8.     This  people  draweth  nigh 
unto  me  with  their  mouth,  and  honoreth  me  with  their 
lips;  but  their  heart  is  far  from  me. 

5.  We  are  not  to  worship  God,  as  if  he  were  not  our  God. — 
Ezek.  xliv.  9.      Thus  saith  the  Lord  God ;  No  stranger, 
uncircumcised  in  heart,  nor  uncircumcised  in  flesh,  shall 
enter  into  my  sanctuary. 

6.  We  are  not  to  worship  anything  else  besides  God. — Rom. 
i.  25.     Who  changed  the  truth  of  God  into  a  lie,  and  wor- 
shipped and  served  the  creature  more  than  the  Creator, 
who  is  blessed  for  ever.     Amen. 

7.  We  are  not  to  give  that  glory  to  any  other  which  is  due 
only  to  God. — Psal.  xcvii.  7.     Confounded  be  all  they  that 
serve  graven  images,  that  boast  themselves  of  idols  ;  wor- 
ship him,  all  ye  Gods. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  this  command  is  most  grossly  violated 
by  those  who  have  not  acknowledged  or  worshipped  any 
God  at  all:  these  are  called  Atheists.  (2.)  It  is  violated 
by  those  who  acknowledge  and  adore  many  gods :  such 
are  Polytheists,  or  Idolaters.  (3.)  Even  by  such  as  profess  to 
acknowledge  and  worship  but  one  God  it  is  violated,  if 
they  do  not,  with  all  their  hearts,  reverence  and  love  him 
as  the  most  wise  and  powerful,  the  most  just  and  holy, 
the  most  good  and  gracious  Being ;  if  they  do  not  trust 


FIRST   COMMANDMENT.  121 

and  hope  in  him  as  the  Fountain  of  all  their  good ;  if 
they  do  not  diligently  worship  and  praise  him ;  if  they 
do  not  humbly  submit  to  his  will  and  obey  his  laws. 
(4.)  I  shall  violate  this  law  if  I  frame  in  my  fancy  an 
idea  untrue,  or  unworthy,  of  that  One  most  excellent 
Being,  and  to  such  a  creation  of  my  own  fancy  yield  my 
highest  respect  and  affection.  (5.)  If  also,  upon  any 
creature  (myself,  or  any  other  person  or  thing)  I  bestow 
my  chief  esteem  and  affection,  or  employ  my  most  earnest 
care  and  endeavor,  or  chiefly  rely  upon  or  delight  in  it, 
thus  making  that  person  or  thing  a  god  to  myself.  Hence 
(6.)  whoever  chiefly  regards,  seeks  and  pursues,  confides 
and  delights  in  wealth,  or  honor,  or  power,  or  pleasure ; 
wit,  wisdom,  strength,  or  beauty ;  arts,  science,  litera- 
ture ;  himself,  friends,  or  any  other  creature,  he  hath  an- 
other God,  contrary  to  the  design  and  meaning  of  this 
holy  law. — [Dr.  Barrow's  Exposition.] 

Q.  48.  WHAT  ARE  WE  SPECIALLY  TAUGHT  BY  THESE  WORDS 
[before  me]  IN  THE  FIRST  COMMANDMENT  ? 

These  words  [before  me]  in  the  first  command- 
ment teach  us,  that  God  who  seeth  all  things, 
taketh  notice  of,  and  is  much  displeased  with  the 
sin  of  having  any  other  god. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  seeth  all  things. — Heb.  iv.  13.     Neither  is  there 
any  creature  that  is  not  manifest  in  his  sight :  but  all 
things  are  naked  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of  him  with 
whonvwe  have  to  do. 

2.  God  will  take  special  notice  of  the  sin  of  having  an- 
other god.—Psal.  xliv.  20,  21.     If  we  have  stretched  out 
our  hands  to  a  strange  god,  shall  not  God  search  this 
out? 

3.  God  is  much  displeased  with  the  sin   of  having  any 
other  god. — Deut.   xxxii.    16.      They  provoked    him    to 
jealousy  with  strange  gods. 

11 


122  FIRST    COMMANDMENT. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  great  evil  of  Idolatry,  both  ex- 
ternal and  internal,  consists  in  the  manifest  preference 
which  it  shows  for  the  object  of  it,  in  comparison  with 
God,  who  is  ever  present  to  observe  that  preference,  and 
to  feel  the  base  affront  which  is  thus  put  upon  his  in- 
finite excellencies,  and  high  relations  to  us  and  to  the 
universe.  (2.)  That  I  can  commit  no  sin  without  God's 
knowledge  and  high  displeasure. 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  A  CHILD  CONSECRATED  TO  IDOLATRY. — A  missionary  was 
once  standing  near  the  temple  of  a  very  celebrated  and 
cruel  idol,  when  a  father  approached  the  shrine  of  the 
goddess.  He  led  by  the  hand  an  interesting  little  boy, 
his  sou,  probably  his  first-born,  and  it  may  be  his  only 
eon.  The  little  fellow  was  very  much  alarmed;  for  there 
was  a  great  crowd  of  worshippers ;  and  the  musicians 
were  beating  their  shrill  drums,  and  sounding  their  hoarse 
trumpets,  and  crying  aloud  in  honor  of  the  goddess,  and 
they  were  bowing  frantically  before  the  altar.  The  blood 
of  goats  and  other  animals  was  flowing  near  him,  which 
had  just  been  sacrificed  to  the  goddess.  Amidst  all  this 
confusion  the  little  fellow  was  afraid ;  and  he  clung  fast 
to  his  father,  now  looking  round  at  the  people,  and  then 
at  the  goddess,  and  then  at  the  father,  as  much  as  to  say, 
"Do,  father,  save  me  from  these  cruel  people!"  But  no. 
His  father  had  brought  him  to  consecrate  him  to  the  ser- 
vice of  the  goddess ;  and  to  do  this,  he  put  into  the  poor 
boy's  hand  a  piece  of  silver.  This  the  boy  handed  to  the 
priest;  and  then  the  father  handed  to  the  priest  two 
sharp-pointed  pieces  of  iron,  which  the  priest  sprinkled 
with  the  sacred  water  of  the  river  Ganges,  and  returned 
to  the  parent.  They  were  then  handed  to  a  cruel  man, 
who  (while  the  poor  boy  was  gazing  in  wonder  and  horror 


FIRST    COMMANDMENT.  123 

around)  plunged  one,  if  not  both,  into  his  naked  side! 
The  boy  shrieked,  and  clung  to  his  father.  The  musi- 
cians beat  their  drums  and  sounded  their  trumpets ;  the 
priests  raised  their  voices  to  drown  the  crying  of  the 
boy  ;  and  he  was  borne  away  bleeding  and  terrified  from 
the  scene  by  his  deluded  but  now  happy  father,  who  sup- 
posed that  his  son  was  consecrated  to  the  goddess  in  that 
most  cruel  act.  Yerily,  is  it  not  true  that  the  dark  parts 
of  the  earth  are  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty  ? 

2.  IDOL  WORSHIP  IN  NEW  YORK. — A  gentleman  in  this 
city  (says  the  Evangelist}  while  visiting  in  Cherry-street, 
for  an  Industrial  School,  went  into  a  room  where  was   a 
little  company  of  Chinese  offering  sacrifice  to  an  idol.     A 
Chinaman  was    kneeling   in  front  of  the  idol,  burning 
some  sweet-smelling  substance  in  a  little  cup  floating  in 
water.     The  gentleman  apologized  for  the  intrusion,  but 
they  did  not  seem  much  troubled  by  it. 

3.  To  a  young  man,  who  professed  to  be  an  Atheist,  said 
Dr.  NETTLETON,   "  You  are  not  so  sure  as  you  pretend  to 
be,  that  there  is  no  God.     You  dare  not  go  alone,  and 
kneel  down,  and,  in  a  solemn  manner,  offer  a  prayer.     If 
there  is  no  God  you  will  incur  no  danger  by  so  doing; 
and  yet  you  dare  not  do  it.     This  shows  that  you  are 
afraid  that  there  is  a  God,  who  cannot  be  deceived,  and 
who  will  not  be  mocked." 

4.  REV.  DR.WITHERSPOON,  formerly  President  of  Princeton 
College,  "N.  J.,  was  once  on  board  a  packet  ship,  where, 
among  other  passengers,  was  a  professed  Atheist.  This 
unhappy  man  was  very  fond  of  troubling  every  one  with 
his  peculiar  belief,  and  of  broaching  the  subject  as  often 
as  he  could  get  any  one  to  listen  to  him.  He  did  not  be- 
lieve in  a  God  and  a  future  state ;  not  he !  By-and-by 
there  came  on  a  terrible  storm,  and  the  prospect  was  that 
all  would  be  drowned.  There  was  much  consternation 
on  board,  but  no  one  was  so  greatly  frightened  as  the  pro- 


124  FIRST    COMMANDMENT. 

fessed  Atheist.  In  this  extremity,  lie  sought  out  the 
clergyman,  and  found  him  in  the  cabin,  calm  and  col- 
lected, in  the  midst  of  danger,  and  thus  addressed  him: 
"  0  Dr.  Witherspoon  !  Dr.  Witherspoon  !  we're  all  going ; 
we  have  but  a  short  time  to  stay.  O  how  the  vessel  rocks  ! 
we're  all  going ;  don't  you  think  we  are,  doctor  ?"  The 
doctor  turned  to  him  with  a  solemn  look,  and  replied  in 
broad  Scotch,  "Nae  doubt,  nae  doubt  man;  we're 
a'ganging;  but  you  and  I  dinna  gang  the  same  way."  The 
poor  man  was  speechless ;  and  the  worthy  Doctor,  who 
had  not  said  much  before,  then  took  the  opportunity  of 
setting  before  him  the  guilt  and  folly  of  his  conduct. 

5.  When   CARDINAL  WOLSEY,  for  some  time  the  prime 
minister  of  Henry  VIII.,  under  whose  displeasure  and 
selfishness  he  was  deprived  of  immense  wealth  and  of  all 
places  of  power  and  honor,  was  lying  upon  his  death-bed, 
he  called  to  him  Kingston,  the  lieutenant  of  the  Tower, 
and  said,  under  a  bitter  sense  of  the  base  ingratitude  of 
his  royal  master:  "Had  I  but  served  my  God  as  dili- 
gently as  I  have  served  the  king,  he  would  not  have  given 
me  over  in  my  gray  hairs ;  but  I  receive  a  just  reward 
for  my  indulgent  labor  and  care,  not  regarding  my  ser- 
vice to  God,  but  only  to  my  king." 

6.  REV.  DR.  CHARLES    HALL,  when  in  Europe,  visited 
Blenheim,  the  famous  country-seat  bestowed  by  Queen 
Anne  on  the  first  Duke  of  Marlborough,  and  after  a  most 
graphic  account  of  it,  adds:  "As  I  wandered  through 
these  grounds,   and  opened  my  heart  to  these  forms  of 
beauty,  I  could  feel  the  rivers  of  delight  rolling  in  upon 
my  soul.     I  forgot  the  Duke  of  Marlborough ;  I  had  no 
appreciation  for    his   military   glory,    or   for    his   royal 
mistress.     /  thought  only  of  God,  who  made  this  majesty  and 
loveliness.     I  felt  that  he  intended  and  adapted  the  world 
— its  creatures — its  lakes,  its  forests — its  landscapes,  to 
speak  of  Him,  to  lead  up  our  hearts  to  Him.     I  felt  tha '; 


SECOND    COMMANDMENT.  125 

there  is  no  mistake  as  to  the  oneness  of  the  Godhead  in 
revelation  and  in  nature.  And  my  heart  praised  Him  ;  I 
cried  out  for  holiness — that  there  with  such  beauty  of 
the  natural  world,  there  might  be  nothing  but  moral 
consanguinity  in  my  soul."  In  the  valley  of  Oberhasli,  in 
Switzerland,  he  says  : — "  My  soul  has  been  lifted  up  amid 
the  grandeur  of  these  everlasting  hills.  I  have  felt  the 
grandeur  of  God  ;  I  have  felt  my  own  littleness  ;  I  have  felt 
that  it  was  an  inexpressible  condescension  for  Christ,  hav 
ing  built  this  mighty  earth,  to  die  for  the  sinful  creatures 
who  creep  on  its  surface."  And  at  Chamouny  he  writes: 
"  Here,  amid  the  eublimest  of  God's  works,  I  have  com- 
muned with  him,  and  have  endeavored  to  re-consecrate 
myself  to  him.  0  Lord,  who  by  thy  power  settest  fast 
the  mountains,  exert  that  power  to  make  this  poor,  vile 
heart  all  thine  own." — Dr.  Smith's  Discourse. 


THE    SECOND  COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  49.  WHAT  is  THE  SECOND  COMMANDMENT. 

The  second  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any  likeness 
of  anything  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  is  in 
the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the 
earth.  Thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them, 
nor  serve  them ;  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a 
jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers 
upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  genera- 
tion of  them  that  hate  me;  and  showing  mercy 
unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  me,  and  keep  my 
commandments. 

11* 


126  SECOND    COMMANDMENT. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

(1.)  I  learn  that  while  the  First  command  forbids  the 
worshipping  of  a  false  God,  the  Second  forbids  the  wor- 
shipping of  the  true  God  in  a  false  manner.  (2.)  That 
the  Second  command  requires  me  to  render  to  the  true 
God  that  kind  of  worship  which  is  suited  to  his  spiritual 
nature  and  unlimited  perfections;  that  he  alone  knows 
what  kind  of  worship  is  proper,  and  that  he  alone  can 
prescribe  it.  (3.)  That  it  is  impossible,  absurd,  and 
wicked  to  make  any  outward,  visible  representation,  by 
sculpture  or  painting,  of  that  God  who  fills  immensity 
with  a  spiritual,  invisible  presence  and  energy.  (4.)  That 
this  command  does  not  forbid  the  use  of  sculpture  or 
painting  for  other  purposes,  as  some  have  absurdly 
imagined;  though  statuary  and  painting  have  been 
shamefully  abused  as  means  of  withdrawing  men's  regard 
from  God.  (6.)  That  I  am  not  allowed  to  frame,  even  in 
my  mind,  any  image  or  conception  of  God  as  possessing 
form,  but  when  I  attempt  to  worship  him  must  fix  my 
thoughts  upon  him  simply  as  a  Being  possessing  the 
sublime  and  incomprehensible  attributes,  and  sustaining 
the  supreme  relations,  ascribed  to  him  in  the  Bible.  (6.) 
That  the  Papists  commit  a  daring  sin  in  blotting  out  the 
second  command,  or,  in  some  cases,  a  large  portion  of  it, 
from  their  Catechisms,  and  an  unreasonable  act  in  divid- 
ing the  Tenth  into  two,  for  the  sake  of  completing  the 
original  number.  The  reason  is,  that  they  make  use  of 
images  and  paintings  in  their  worship,  and  that  this 
command  condemns  their  practice.  (7.)  That  their  pre- 
tence that  they  do  not  worship  the  image  but  only  make 
use  of  it  as  a  medium  by  which  to  worship  God,  is  in  the 
face  of  this  Second  Command ;  for  God  declares  that  he 
will  not  be  thus  worshipped.  And,  further,  the  same 
argument  which  the  Papists  use  for  their  practice,  may 
be  employed  with  equal  justness  by  the  Pagans,  in  de- 


SECOND    COMMANDMENT.  127 

fence  of  their  system  of  idol-worship ;  that  they  look 
upon  the  image  as  the  symbol  only,  or  residence  of  their 
divinities.  It  is  also  to  be  remembered,  that  God  most 
severely  punished  the  Israelites  for  the  worship  of  the 
golden  calf,  though  it  was  intended  and  used  merely  as  a 
symbol,  or  remembrancer  of  the  true  God.  (Exod.  xxxii, 
5.)  (8.)  That  God  is  peculiarly  indignant  at  this  false, 
and  to  him  degrading  mode  of  worship,  his  indignation 
being  expressed  by  the  term  jealous,  to  show  the  strength 
of  his  opposition  to  image- worship.  (9.)  That  the  effects 
of  his  displeasure  are  experienced  even  by  the  descend- 
ants of  transgressors ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  bene- 
fits of  obedience  are  not  confined  to  the  obedient  them- 
selves, but  reach  to  their  descendants,  and  that,  for  a 
longer  period,  or  to  a  greater  extent,  than  the  effects  of 
transgression  in  the  former  case. 

What  Illustrations  may  be  given  ? 

1.  A  nobleman  rebels  against  his  prince ;  he  loses  his 
coronet,  and  his  family  suffers  for  centuries  afterwards. 
A  father,  through  gambling,  loses  all  his  property ;  and 
his  children  and  his  children's  children  suffer.     A  parent 
becomes  a  drunkard  and  a  debauchee,  wastes  his  health 
and  injures  his  constitution ;  and  his  offspring  are  dis- 
eased to  the  third  and  fourth  generation.     Now,  what  is 
all  this,  but  the  sins  of  the  fathers  visited  upon  the  children 
in  the  arrangements  of  a  Providence  we  can  see,  and  in 
occurrences  of  daily  life.     Moreover,  when  God  states 
that  he  visits   the   iniquities  of  the    fathers    upon    the 
children,  he  does  not  refer  to  their  after  existence.     This 
is  referred  to  in  Ezek.  xviii.  19. — Dr.  Gumming. 

2.  THE  SECOND  COMMANDMENT  versus  POPERY. — The  Rev. 
Dr.  Nevins  has  set  forth  this  matter  to  the  life.     He  says  : 
"An  examination,    preparatory  to  confession,  is  recom- 


128  SECOND    COMMANDMENT. 

mended  to  the  devout  Catholic,  on  the  ten  command- 
ments, that  he  may  see,  before  he  goes  to  the  priest  to  get 
forgiveness,  wherein  he  has  transgressed  any  of  them. 
Now,  he  is  not  directed  to  examine  himself  on  the  second, 
but  twice  over  on  the  tenth,  so  as  to  make  out  the  full 
number.  Now,  I  acknowledge  it  would  have  been  awk- 
ward to  have  set  the  person  to  examine  himself  in  refer- 
ence to  the  second  commandment.  It  might  have  led  to 
a  conviction  of  sins  not  recognized  by  the  confessor.  If 
he  had  asked  himself,  *  is  there  any  graven  image,  or  like- 
ness of  anything  in  heaven  above,  or  in  the  earth  be- 
neath, to  which  I  bow  down  ?'  himself  would  have  been 
apt  to  answer,  *  Why,  yes,  there  is  that  image  of  Christ 
I  kneel  before ;  and  there  is  that  likeness  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  I  bow  down  to  and  adore  ; — I  am  afraid  I  have 
broken  the  second  commandment.'  If,  then,  he  had  gone 
to  the  priest  with  his  scruples,  you  see  it  would  have 
made  work  and  trouble.  It  is  true,  the  priest  could  have 
said  to  him,  '  O,  my  child,  you  don't  mean  anything  by 
it.  You  only  use  the  image  as  a  help  to  devotion.  Your 
worship  of  it  is  only  relative.  Besides,  you  don't  adore 
the  image — you  only  venerate  it — and  you  only  give 
"  due  honor  and  veneration  "  to  images — nothing  more 
than  that.'  *  *  *  *  This  explanation  is 

not  original  with  the  modern  Christian  idolater.  It  is  as 
old  as  Jewish  and  Pagan  idolatry.  The  worshippers  of 
the  golden  calf  worshipped  something  beyond  the  calf. 
The  calf  was  only  a  help  to  devotion,  and  they  only  paid 
'due  honor  and  veneration'  to  it.  Nevertheless  they 
'sinned  a  great  sin/  and  'the  Lord  plagued  the  people ' 
on  account  of  it.  '  There  fell  of  the  people  that  day 
about  3,000.'  I  suppose  it  would  have  been  just  the 
same  had  they  made  ever  so  many  explanations.  But 
their  explanations  were  not  waited  for.  What  dignify 
all  their  explanations  and  distinctions  to  the  great  mass 


SECOND    COMMANDMENT.  129 

of  the  Catholic  laity  ?  They  do  not  even  understand 
them ;  and  it  seems  that  if  they  both  understood  and  re- 
garded them,  it  would  not  help  the  matter.  It  is  this  very 
explained  and  qualified  worship  which  the  command- 
ment forbids." — Thoughts  on  Popery. 

3.  Amid  the  mummeries  at  Rome,  the  late  Rev.  DR. 
HALL,  in  his  journal,  wrote:  "I  feel,  as  I  see  the  disgust- 
ing pretence  of  this  formal  worship,  this  fresco  piety,  that 
God  must  be  offended  with  formalism ;  and  I  am  more 
put  on  my  guard  to  deal  honestly  and  truly  with  heaven 
in  my  devotions." 

4.  YIRGIN-MARYISM. — The  man  who  knows  Christianity 
best  will  deny  to  the  Papist,   who    adheres  to  all  the 
dogmas  of  his  creed,  the  very  name  of  Christian.     At 
Rome,  in  particular,  the  Pope  and  all  the  people,  from  the 
cardinal  chamberlain  downwards,  glory  in  the  worship 
of  the  Virgin  Mary ;  and  their  religion  is  not  that  of  the 
New  Testament,  but  a  new  and  perfectly  different  creed, 
which  may  be  named  Yirgin-Maryism,  but  certainly  is 
not  the  religion  of  Jesus.     The  day  begins  with  the  Ave- 
Maria.     Her  image,  and  its  attendant  lustres,  often  kept 
constantly  burning,  glare   at  the  corner  of  nearly  every 
street.     The  most  splendid  churches  in  Rome  are  dedi- 
cated to  her.     Painting  and  poetry  are  called  into  her 
service  ;  and  we  sometimes  find,  below  these  images,  this 
invitation  to  passers-by :  "  Stop,  traveller ;  bow  the  head 
to  the  mother  of  God — the  Queen  of  heaven."     When 
men  recover  from  sickness,  their  cure  is  ascribed  mainly 
to  her,  and  votive  offerings  are  hung  up  in  her  churches, 
as  in  the  temples  of  Pagan  idols  in  ancient  Rome.     In- 
deed, it  seems  obvious  to  the  most  superficial  observer, 
that  she  has  here  supplanted  the  worship  of  the  Redeemer, 
and  that  Satan  has  completely  travestied  Christianity  in 
that  city,  to  which  he  still  with  great  subtilty  points  men 
as  the  metropolis  of  Christianity, — Rev.  W.  K.  Tweedie. 


130  SECOND    COMMANDMENT. 

5.  PHILIP  HENRY  made  this  shrewd  and  discriminating 
observation  : — "  I  am  too  much  a  Catholic  to  be  a  Roman 
Catholic." 

What  is  Required  ? 

Q.  60.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  SECOND  COMMAND- 
MENT ? 

The  second  commandment  requireth  the  receiv- 
ing, observing,  and  keeping  pure  and  entire,  all 
such  religious  worship  and  ordinances  as  God  hath 
appointed  in  his  word. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Religious  worship  is  to  be  paid  to  God. — Psal.  xlv.  11. 
He  is  thy  Lord ;  and  worship  thou  him. 

2.  God  hath  appointed  certain  religious  ordinances  to  be 
observed  in  his  worship. — Lev.  xviii.  4.     Ye  shall  do  my 
judgments,  and  keep  mine  ordinances,  to  walk  therein :  I 
am  the  Lord  your  God. 

3.  We  are  required  to  accept  of  and  esteem  the  worship  and 
ordinances  of  God. — Psal.  cxix.  103.     How  sweet  are  thy 
words  unto  my  taste !    yea,  sweeter  than  honey  to  my 
mouth. 

4.  We  are  required  to  observe  God's  worship  and  ordi- 
nances.— Matt,  xxviii.  20.     Teaching  them  to  observe  all 
things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you. 

5.  We  are  required  to  keep  God's  worship  and  ordinances 
pure. — Deut.  xii.  32.     What  thing  soever  I  command  you, 
observe  to  do  it ;  thou  shalt  not  add  thereto,  nor  diminish 
from  it. 

6.  We  are  to  keep  God's  worship  and  ordinances  entire. — 
Luke,  i.  6.     They  were  both  righteous  before  God,  walk- 
ing in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord 
blameless. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  Scriptures  alone  are  to  guide  me 
as  to  the  manner  and  means  of  worshipping  God,  and 


SECOND    COMMANDMENT.  131 

that  I  am  not  to  follow  the  inventions  of  men.  (2.)  That 
I  have  reason  to  admire  the  noble  heroism  of  the  Cove- 
nanters of  Scotland,  in  the  17th  century,  who,  at  the 
sacrifice  of  home  and  property,  and,  in  many  cases,  even 
at  the  sacrifice  of  life,  resolved  to  worship  God  according 
to  the  simple  methods  which  they  learned  from  the  Word 
of  God,  and  not  according  to  the  forms  imposed  upon 
them  by  the  tyrannical  government  of  England.  (3.)  To 
place  a  high  value  upon  all  those  scriptural  methods  and 
services  by  which  I  may  approach  God,  and  render  to 
Him  appropriate  respect  and  homage. 

What  Illustrations  are  offered? 

1.  THE  MASS. — "  KIRWAN,"  in  his  Letters  to  Archbishop 
Hughes,  thus  relates  his  escape  from  early  prejudices : — 
"  Some  book  or  tract,  now  forgotten,  gave  rise  to  some 
inquiries  as  to  the  Mass.  I  asked,  What  does  it  mean? 
I  could  not  tell,  though  for  years  a  regular  attendant  on 
it.  Why  does  the  priest  dress  BO  ?  What  book  does  he 
i  ead  from,  when  carried  now  to  his  right,  now  to  his  left  ? 
What  mean  those  candles  burning  at  noon-day  \  Why 
do  I  say  prayers  in  Latin,  which  I  understand  not? 
Should  I  not  know  what  I  am  saying  when  addressing 
my  Maker  ?  Why  bow  down  and  strike  my  breast  when 
the  little  bell  rings  ?  What  does  it  all  mean  ?  The  dark- 
ness of  Egypt  rested  upon  these  questions.  I  thus  rea- 
soned with  myself:  God  is  a  spiritual  and  intelligent 
Being,  and  he  requires  an  intelligent  worship.  What 
worship  I  render  him  in  the  Mass,  I  know  not.  My  in- 
telligent worship  only  is  acceptable  to  him,  and  is  bene- 
ficial to  me.  I  am  a  rational  being,  and  I  degrade  my 
nature,  and  insult  my  Maker,  by  offering  to  him  a  wor- 
ship in  which  neither  my  reason,  nor  His  intelligence  is 
consulted.  Heaving  come  to  this  conclusion,  I  gave  up 


132  SECOND    COMMANDMENT. 

the  Mass  as  a  form  of  worship  well  enough  fitted  for  an 
idol,  but  unfitted  to  be  rendered  by  a  rational  being  to 
the  infinitely  intelligent  Jehovah." 

2.  THE  CONFESSIONAL.— "  KIRWAN,"  in  the  same  Letters, 
says  :  "  Must  I  go  to  confession  ?  My  prejudices  said,  Yes. 
My  reason  said,  No.  And  my  logic  was  simply  as  follows  : 
If  I  truly  repent  of  my  sins,  God  will  forgive  me;  if  I  do  not, 
the  priest  cannot  absolve  me.  And  I  spurned  as  unreason- 
able, and  as  an  insult  to  my  common  sense,  your  terrible 
doctrine,  that  '  Every  Christian  is  bound,  under  pain  of 
damnation,  to  confess  to  a  priest  all  his  mortal  sins,  which, 
after  diligent  examination,  he  can  possibly  remember 
yea,  even  his  most  secret  sins — his  very  thoughts ;  yea,  and 
all  the  circumstances  of  them  which  are  of  any  moment.' 
I  ask  you,  sir,  if  this  dogma  of  the  Council  of  Trent  is  not 
a  horrible  dogma  ?  It  suspends  upon  confessing  to  a  priest 
what  the  Bible  suspends  on  believing  in  Christ." 

8.  No  MEAT  ON  FRIDAYS. — "From  my  youth  up,"  says 
"  KIRWAN  "  (Rev.  Dr.  N.  Murray),  "  I  was  taught  to  ab- 
stain from  all  meats  on  Fridays  and  Saturdays.  Why  on 
these  days  more  than  any  other  I  was  never  told.  And 
if  by  mistake  I  was  involved  in  the  violation  of  this  law, 
I  felt  a  burden  upon  my  conscience,  of  which  confession 
only  could  relieve  me.  Circumstances  led  me  to  inquire 
into  this  matter.  I  saw  good  Papists  eating  eggs,  and 
fish,  and  getting  drunk  on  these  days ;  but  this  was  no 
violation  of  the  law  of  the  Church !  Yet  if  these  per- 
sons should  eat  meat  of  any  kind,  or  use  gravy  in 
any  way,  their  consciences  were  troubled,  and  they  must 
perform  penance !  This  led  me  to  ask,  Is  this  reasonable  If 
If  I  may  eat  meat  on  Thursday,  why  not  on  Friday  ?  Can 
God,  in  things  of  this  kind,  make  that  to  be  a  sin  at  one 
time  which  is  not  on  another  ?  I  saw  -also  persons,  for 
whose  moral  worth  I  had  the  highest  regard,  eating  meats 
on  those  days,  and  without  any  injury !  And  I  came  to 


SECOND    COMMANDMENT.  133 

the  conclusion  that  your  regulations  upon  this  matter 
were  unreasonable,  and  rejected  them.  And,  as  far  as  I 
now  remember,  this  was  my  first  step  towards  light  and 
freedom." — Letters  to  Archbishop  Hughes. 

Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  51.  WHAT  is  FORBIDDEN  IN  THE  SECOND  COMMAND- 
MENT? 

The  second  commandment  forbiddeth  the  wor- 
shipping of  God  by  images,  or  any  other  way  not 
appointed  in  his  word. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  not  to  worship  God  by  images. — Deut.  iv.  15, 
1 6.     Take  ye,  therefore,  good  heed  unto  yourselves ;  (for 
ye  saw  no  manner  of  similitude  on  the  day  that  the  Lord 
spake  unto  you  in  Horeb,)  lest  ye  corrupt  yourselves,  and 
make  you  a  graven  image. 

2.  We  are  not  to  worship  God  in  any  way  not  appointed 
in  his  word. — Deut.  iv.  2.     Ye  shall  not  add  unto  the  word 
which  I  command  you,  neither  shall  ye  diminish  aught 
from  it,  that  ye  may  keep  the  commandments  of  the  Lord 
your  God  which  I  command  you. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  1 

I  learn  (1.)  That  as  I  am  not  to  have  any  visible  image 
of  God  before  me  in  my  worship,  I  must  cultivate  spiritu- 
ality of  mind,  and  fervency  of  devotion,  and  a  simple 
realizing  belief  in  the  Scripture  account  of  the  Being 
whom  I  worship.  (2.)  That  I  am  not  allowed  to  figure 
Him  to  myself,  even  in  my  mind,  as  possessing  form, 
though  I  may  think  of,  and  adore  God  incarnate  in  the 
person  of  the  glorified  Jesus.  (3.)  That  all  superstitious 
rules  and  ceremonies  (those  which  God  has  not  sanctioned) 
are  to  be  avoided,  and  the  service  of  God  is  to  be  made 
12 


134  SECOND    COMMANDMENT. 

as  spiritual  and  scriptural  as  possible.  (4.)  That  I  have 
no  authority  for  calling  in,  as  the  Papists  do,  the  aid  of 
dead  saints,  in  rendering  worship  to  God,  nor  for  honor- 
ing them  by  outward  representation  in  statuary,  and  by 
forms  of  worship.  (5.)  That  the  second  command,  in  its 
spirit  and  true  intent,  forbids  men  to  neglect,  despise, 
hinder*  and  oppose  any  of  the  proper  methods  of  render- 
ing worship  to  Jehovah.  (6.)  To  pray  that  God  will  pre- 
serve pure  religious  ordinances,  and  powerful  preaching 
in  the  land ;  for,  as  "Watson,  the  Puritan,  remarks : 
"  Idolatry  came  in  at  first  for  the  want  of  good  preaching — 
the  people  began  to  have  golden  images  when  they  had 
wooden  priests." 

What  Illustrations  are  furnished? 

1.  POPERY   REFUTED   BY  COMMON   SENSE. — Some  of  the 
Roman  Catholic  Irish  are  so  far  enlightened  by  Sunday 
schools  and  Bible  classes,  that  they  can  and  do  exercise 
their  reason  in  resisting  the  abominations  of  Popery.  One 
of  them  being  asked  by  a  priest,  a  curate,  why  he  did  not 
come  to  confession,  said,  "  Please  your  Reverence,  do  you 
ever  confess  ?"     "Yes,  I  do— to  the  Rector."     "And  do 
you  pay  ?"      "  Yes."      "  And  to  whom  does  the  Rector 
confess?"     "To  the  Bishop."     "And  does  he  pay  him?" 
"  Yes."     "  And  to  whom  does  the  Bishop  confess  \"     "  To 
the  Vicar-General."     " And  pays  him ?"     "Yes,"     "And 
to  whom    does    he    confess?"      "To  tlia  Pope,"    "And 
pays?"     "  Yes."     "And  to  whom  does  the  Pope  confess?" 
"To  Jesus  Christ."       "And    does    he    pay    anything?" 
"No."     "Then,  please  your  Reverence,"  said  the  man, 
"  as  I  am  very  poor,  I  think  I  shall  go  to  Jesus  Christ  at 
once." 

2.  OBSTRUCTIONS    RAISED    BY    POPERY   BETWEEN    us   AND 
GOD. — "  KIRWAN  "  observes  to  Archbishop  Hughes,  "  My 
Bible,  that  hated  book  by  pope,  prelate,  priest,  and  papal 


SECOND    COMMANDMENT.  135 

peasant,  teaches  me  that  if  any  man  sin  he  has  an  advo- 
cate with  the  Father — Jesus  Christ.  It  everywhere 
teaches  me  that  I  may  have  free  access  to  God  through 
Jesus  Christ ;  that  if  I  sin,  I  may  go  for  pardon  directly  to 
the  throne  of  God,  through  the  mediation  of  his  Son. 
And  this  is  a  precious  privilege — a  privilege  which  may 
be  enjoyed  by  all,  '  without  money  and  without  price?  Now, 
what  do  you  ask  of  me  to  do,  in  order  to  receive  the  for- 
giveness of  sin,  and  to  be  restored  to  the  favor  of  God? 
You  send  me  to  Peter,  or  Paul,  or  some  other  saint  on  the 
catalogue,  who  may  have  never  known  me;  and  who 
may  never  hear  me  if  I  pray  to  them.  Or  you  send  me 
to  Mary,  whom  you  blasphemously  call  the  Mother  of 
God,  to  ask  her  to  intercede  for  me.  Nor  will  this  suffice. 
I  must  go  to  your  Confessional,  and  tell  you  all  my  sins ; 
incurring  the  fearful  penalty  of  refusal  of  pardon  if  I 
withhold  one.  Thus  you  take  from  me  the  privilege  of 
going  to  God  for  myself,  a  privilege  purchased  for  me  by 
the  death  of  Christ.  You  tell  me  I  must  go  to  the  priest, 
and  from  the  priest  to  the  saint,  or  to  the  Virgin,  and  the 
saint  or  Virgin  will  go  for  me  to  the  Saviour,  and  he  will 
go  for  me  to  the  Father.  And  then,  when  pardon  is 
granted,  it  goes  from  the  Father  to  the  Son  ;  from  him  to 
the  saint  or  Virgin ;  from  him  or  her  to  the  priest ;  and 
when  in  the  hands  of  the  priest,  he  will  give  me  absolu- 
tion, if  I  pay  for  it.  Why  compel  me  to  speak  to  my 
heavenly  Father  by  proxy  ?  *  *  *  *  Where 
has  my  Saviour  taught  me  that  I  can  only  address  him 
through  a  priestly  attorney,  whom  I,  however  poor,  must 
fee  for  his  services  ?" — Kirwaris  Letters. 

Reasons  Annexed. 
Q.  52.  WHAT  ARE  THE  REASONS  ANNEXED  TO  THE  SECOND 

COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  reasons  annexed  to  the  second  command- 


136  SECOND    COMMANDMENT. 

ment  are,  God's  sovereignty  over  us,  his  propriety 
in  us,  and  the  zeal  he  hath  to  his  own  worship. 
What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  is  our  Lord  and  Sovereign. — Isa.  xxxiii.  22.    The 
Lord  is  our  judge,  the  Lord  is  our  lawgiver,  the  Lord  is 
our  king ;  he  will  save  us. 

2.  We  are  the  property  of  God. — Psal.  xcv.  7.      He  is 
our  God ;  and  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture,  and  the 
sheep  of  his  hand. 

3.  God  is  very  zealous  for  the  purity  of  his  worship.— 
Exod.  xxxiv.  14.     For  thou  shalt  worship  no  other  God: 
for  the  Lord,  whose  name  is  Jealous,  is  a  jealous  God. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  there  are  good  and  substantial  reasons 
for  worshipping  God  in  a  scriptural  and  spiritual  manner, 
and  for  avoiding  all  superstition  and  idolatry.  (2.)  That 
God  is  determined'  to  punish  those  who  give  to  another 
the  honor  and  service  which  He  so  justly  claims  for  him- 
self. (3.)  That  parents  have  a  special  reason  for  render- 
ing due  worship  to  God,  in  the  good  or  bad  effect  of  their 
practice  upon  those  most  dear  to  them.  (4.)  That  children 
have  no  right  to  imitate  the  conduct  of  idolatrous  or 
superstitious  parents,  but  are  bound  to  avoid  such  meth- 
ods of  worship,  and  so  to  worship  God  as  to  counteract 
the  judgments  which  He  has  appointed  for  all  the  trans- 
gressors of  His  holy  law. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  give  ? 

1.  A  BRAHMAN,  for  the  purpose  of  showing  the  folly  of 
rejecting  Hinduism  and  embracing  the  Roman  Catholic  re- 
ligion, instituted  the  following  comparison  between  the 
two  systems : — '  Has  the  Feringhi  cheap  pardons  ?  So 
have  we.  Can  the  Romanist,  by  the  mass,  rescue  his  an- 
cestors from  purgatory  ?  We,  by  ceremonies  at  Gaya, 
can  do  the  same  for  ours.  Can  the  priest  change  the 
bread  and  wine  into  flesh  and  blood?  Our  Muntras 


THIRD    COMMANDMENT.  137 

can  impart  divine  attributes  to  images.  Who  are  the 
Komish  monks  but  the  counterparts  of  our  Semyasses  ? 
Do  the  Catholics  count  their  beads  ?  So  do  we  our  Malas. 
Do  they  pray  to  Mother  Mary  ?  So  do  we  to  Gunga-inai. 
Do  their  priests  eschew  marriages  ?  So  do  our  Gosalies. 
Have  they  nuns  ?  So  have  we  our  nach-girls,  dedicated 
to  the  service  of  the  temple.  Do  they  boast  their  anti- 
quity? Compare  eighteen  hundred  years,  the  period 
they  claim  as  the  age  of  their  church,  with  the  four  Jugs, 
(immense  periods)  of  Hinduism." 

2.  FORCIBLE  REPLICATION. — An  intelligent  Catholic  lady 
recently  said  to  a  clergyman,  "  Why  are  you  Protestants 
continually  attacking  us  ?"  "  I  beg  your  pardon,  madam," 
said  the  clergyman,  "  the  case  is  precisely  the  reverse.  Our 
name  might  teach  you  so.  We  believe  that  no  one  has  a 
right  to  stand  between  us  and  our  Father  in  heaven,  but 
the  only  divinely-appointed  Mediator,  Jesus  Christ.  You 
attack  us  for  this  belief,  and  place  in  his  stead  the  Virgin 
Mary.  We  believe  that  no  one  has  a  right  to  stand  be- 
tween us  and  the  Bible  ;  but  you  attack  us  by  substitut- 
ing the  Pope.  These  two  articles  of  our  faith  are  vital 
and  fundamental ;  we  could  more  easily  give  up  life  than 
relinquish  them."  "  Well,"  said  she,  "  if  you  think  and 
feel  so,  you  should  be  allowed  to  hold  your  opinion." 
"That  is  just  the  third  grand  principle,"  said  the  clergy- 
man, "of  Protestant  faith,  liberty  of  conscience.  In  hold- 
ing and  defending  it  for  ourselves,  we  maintain  it  in  be- 
half of  the  rest  of  the  world,  Catholic  as  well  as  others. 
It  is  the  Catholics  that  occupy  the  aggressive  position,  not 
the  Protestants.  They  stand  on  the  defensive." 

THE    THIRD    COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  53.  WHAT  is  THE  THIRD  COMMANDMENT? 

The  third  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  take 
12* 


138  THIRD    COMMANDMENT. 

the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain ;  for  the 
Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his 
name  in  vain. 

Q.  54.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  THIRD  COMMANDMENT? 

The  third  commandment  requireth  the  holy  and 
reverend  use  of  God's  names,  titles,  attributes,  ordi- 
nances, word  and  works. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God's  name  is  to  be  used  with    holy  reverence. — Psal. 
xxix.  2.     Give    unto    the    Lord  the  glory  due  into  his 
name. 

2.  God's  titles  are  to  be  used  with  holy  reverence. — Rev.  xv. 
3,  4.     Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works,   Lord  God 
Almighty;   just  and  true   are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of 
saints.     Who  shall  not  fear  thee,  O  Lord,  and  glorify  thy 
name. 

3.  God's  attributes  are  to  be  used  with  holy  reverence. — 
Rev.  iv.  8.     Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty,  which 
was,  and  is,  and  is  to  come. 

4.  God's  ordinances  are  to  be  used  with  holy  reverence. — 
Eccl.  v.  1.     Keep  thy  foot  when  thou  goest  to  the  house 
of  G  od,  and  be  more  ready  to  hear,  than  to  give  the  sacri- 
fice of  fools. 

5.  God's  word  is  to  be  used  with  holy  reverence. — Prov.  xiii. 
13.     Whoso  despiseth  the  word  shall  be  destroyed:  but 
he  that  feareth  the  commandment  shall  be  rewarded. 

6.  God's  works  are  to  be  used  and  contemplated  with  holy 
reverence. — Job,  xxxvi.  24.     Remember  that  thou  magnify 
His  work,  which  men  behold. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  To  regard  with  the  greatest  reverence  all 
that  relates  to  the  Most  High  God,  and  to  speak  or  write 
of  him  in  a  solemn  and  thoughtful  manner.  (2.)  By  his 
names  are  intended  such  as  "  Lord,"  "  God,"  "  Jehovah," 


THIRD    COMMANDMENT.  139 

"  Father,"  "  Son,"  and  "  Holy  Ghost ;"  by  his  titles,  such 
as  "  God  of  Nature,"  "  God  of  Grace,"  "  Lord  of  Hosts," 
"Creator,"  "King  of  Nations,"  "Holy  One  of  Israel," 
<fcc. ;  by  attributes  are  intended  his  eternity,  omniscience, 
omnipresence,  wisdom,  holiness,  mercy,  justice,  <fcc. ;  by 
ordinances  are  meant,  prayer  and  thanksgiving ;  praise ; 
the  sacraments ;  reading,  preaching,  and  hearing  of  the 
Word  of  God ;  oaths,  religion,  fasting ;  by  his  works  are 
designed  those  of  creation,  those  of  providence,  but  especi- 
ally that  of  redemption.  Hence  (3.)  I  learn  that  this 
command  requires  a  cautious,  respectful,  and  adoring 
mention  or  thought  of  all  the  names  and  expressions  by 
which  God  is  made  known  ;  and  of  all  the  properties  or 
excellencies  ascribed  to  Him;  that  it  also  requires  a 
reverential  use  of  those  outward  modes  or  ceremonies  of 
worship  which  he  has  prescribed,  together  with  a  devout 
attention  and  obedience  to  all  that  the  Bible  teaches  and 
enjoins  upon  me  ;  and  further,  it  requires  a  devout  study 
and  contemplation  of  God,  and  submission  to  him,  as  he  is 
manifested  in  the  works  of  creation,  and  in  all  his  provi- 
dential dealings. 

What  Illustrations  may  be  related  ? 

1.  THE  YOUNG  SWEARER  REBUKED. — A  MINISTER  sailing  up 
the  Hudson  river  in  a  sloop,  some  forty-five  years  since, 
was  pained  by  the  profaneness  of  a  young  man.  Seek- 
ing a  favorable  opportunity,  he  told  him  he  had  wounded 
his  feelings  by  speaking  against  his  best  Friend — the 
Saviour.  The  young  man  showed  no  relentings,  and  at 
one  of  the  landings  left  the  boat.  The  minister  waa 
pained,  and  feared  his  labors  were  in  vain.  Seven  years 
after,  as  this  minister  went  to  the  General  Assembly,  at 
Philadelphia,  a  young  man  accosted  him  saying,  he 
thought  he  remembered  his  countenance,  and  asked  him 
if  he  was  not  on  board  a  sloop  on  the  Hudson  river  seven 


140  THIRD    COMMANDMENT. 

years  before,  with  a  profane  young  man.  At  length  the 
circumstances  were  called  to  mind.  "  I,"  said  he,  "  am 
that  young  man.  After  I  had  left  the  sloop,  I  thought  I 
had  injured  both  you  and  your  Saviour.  I  was  led  to 
him  for  mercy,  and  felt  that  I  must  preach  his  love  to 
others.  I  am  now  in  the  ministry,  and  have  come  as  a 
representative  to  this  Assembly." 

2.  THE  SAVOYARD,  THE  PRIEST,  AND  THE  BIBLE.  —  A  young 
Savoyard,  a  poor  little  chimney-sweep,  purchased  one 
day  a  Testament,  for  which  he  paid  ten  sous,  and  set 
himself  immediately  to  read  it.  Delighted  to  possess  the 
Word  of  God,  he  ran  to  the  priest  in  his  simplicity,  to 
show  him  the  good  bargain  he  had  made  with  his  savings. 
The  priest  took  the  book,  and  told  the  young  Savoyard 
that  it  came  from  the  hands  of  heretics,  and  that  it  was  a 
book  forbidden  to  be  read.  The  peasant  replied  that 
"everything  he  had  read  in  the  book  told  him  about 
Christ  ;  and,  besides,"  said  he,  "it  is  so  beautiful  I"  "  You 
&hall  see  how  beautiful  it  is,"  said  the  priest,  seizing  it 
and  casting  it  into  the  fire.  The  young  Savoyard  went 
away  weeping.  — 


Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  55.    WHAT   is    FORBIDDEN    IN    THE    THIRD    COMMAND- 

MENT? 

The  third  commandment  forbiddetfi  all  profan- 
ing or  abusing  of  anything  whereby  God  maketh 
himself  known. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  not  toprofane  anything  by  which  God  maketh 
himself  known.  —  Lev.  xviii.   21.     Neither  shalt  thou  pro- 
fane the  name  of  thy  God:  I  am  the  Lord. 

2.  We  are  not  to  abuse  anything  by  which  God  maketh  him- 


TRIED    COMMANDMENT.  141 

self  known. — Mat.  xxiii.  14.  Wo  unto  you,  Scribes  and 
Pharisees,  hypocrites !  for  ye  devour  widows'  houses,  and 
for  a  pretence  make  long  prayers. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  -earn  (1.)  That  the  third  commandment  forbids  all 
irreverent  and  disrespectful  thought,  speech,  writing,  or 
conduct  in  relation  to  God,  or  to  anything  by  which  he 
makes  himself  known  to  me ;  that  it  forbids  all  perver- 
sion of  sacred  scripture,  all  trifling  with  its  doctrines  and 
sacred  precepts  ;  that  it  forbids  a  wrong  use  of  anything 
which  God  has  made  for  our  benefit,  and  also  of  his  deal- 
ings with  us,  either  in  the  form  of  prosperity  or  adversity. 
(2.)  The  great  need  of  habitual  seriousness  and  caution,  lest 
I  offend  against  this  broad  precept ;  the  need  also  of  being 
constantly  under  the  influence  of  God's  Holy  Spirit,  so  as 
to  keep  my  soul  in  a  proper  state  of  regard  for  God  and 
all  that  relates  to  Him.  (3.)  The  great  evil  of  perjury, 
or  false  swearing  under  oath,  when  a  man  calls  the  all- 
knowing  Jehovah  to  witness  that  he  is  speaking  truth, 
and  that  only,  when  he  is  conscious  that  he  is  speaking 
that  which  is  not  true,  but  the  reverse.  •  This  is  supposed 
to  be  the  prominent  sin  condemned  by  the  Third  Com- 
mandment. (4.)  That  profane  swearing  is  a  monstrous 
sin  ;  and  that  there  is  cause  for  deep  sorrow  and  concern 
that  it  prevails  so  extensively,  and  even  among  children 
and  youth.  I  learn,  also,  my  solemn  duty  to  endeavor  to 
arrest  this  sin  when  I  can,  and  to  promote  a  deep  rever- 
ence for  God,  and  for  all  the  means  and  modes  of  worship 
which  he  has  been  pleased  to  appoint. 

What  Illustrations  are  offered? 

1.  GIVE  ME  THE  AXE. — It  is  related  of  the  venerable 
Dr.  Matthews,  late  President  of  Hanover  College,  that  on 
one  occasion,  as  he  was  walking  near  the  college,  with 


142  THIRD    COMMANDMENT. 

his  slow  and  noiseless  step,  a  youth  who  had  not  observed 
his  approach,  while  engaged  in  cutting  wood,  began  to 
swear  profanely  in  his  vexation.  The  Doctor  stepped  up 
and  said,  "  Give  me  the  axe ;"  and  then  quietly  chopped 
the  stick  of  wood  up  himself.  Returning  the  axe  to  the 
young  man,  he  said  in  his  peculiar  manner,  "  You  see  now 
the  wood  may  be  cut  without  swearing."  The  reproof 
was  effectual,  and  led  to  an  entire  abandonment  of  the 
impious  habit. 

2.  QUIET  REBUKE. — Rev.  JOHN  HOWE,  hearing  a  gentle- 
man speaking  highly  of  some  one  in  a  large  party,  and 
at  the  same  time  mixing  many  horrid  oaths  with  his  dis- 
course, mildly,  but  decidedly,  said  to  him,  that  he  had 
omitted  one  great   excellence  in  the  character  of  that 
individual.     "  What  is  it,  sir?"  said  the  other  with  eager- 
ness ;  "  what  is  it  ?"     "  It  is  this,"  said  Mr.  Howe,  "  that 
lie  never  was  heard  to  swear  an  oath  in  common  conversa- 
tion" 

3.  WASHINGTON'S   TESTIMONY. — Within  the   first  month 
after  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  Washington  gave 
a  noble  testimony  against  profaiieness,  by  declaring  in 
his  public  orders  that  "  he  hopes  the  officers  will,  by  ex- 
ample as  well  as  influence,  endeavor  to  check  it,  and  that 
both  they  and  the  men  will  reflect  that  we  can  have  little 
hope  of  the  blessing  of  heaven  on  our  arms,  if  we  insult 
it  by  our  impiety  and  folly :  added  to  this,  it  is  a  vice  so 
mean  and  low,  without  any  temptation,  that  every  man 
of  sense  and  character  despises  it." 

Reasons  Annexed. 
Q.  56.    WHAT   is  THE   REASON   ANNEXED   TO   THE  THIRD 

COMMANDMENT? 

The  reason  annexed  to  the  third  commandment 
is,  That  however  the  breakers  of  this  command- 


THIRD   COMMANDMENT.  143 

ment  may  escape  punishment  from  men,  yet  the 
Lord  our  God  will  not  suffer  them  to  escape  his 
righteous  judgment. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ?  * 

The  sin  of  taking  God's  name  in  vain  will  be  especially 
punished  by  God. — Deut.  xxviii.  58,  59.  If  tliou  wilt  not 
observe  to  do  all  the  words  of  this  law  that  are  written 
in  this  book,  that  thou  raayest  fear  this  glorious  and  fear- 
ful name,  "  THE  LORD  THY  GOD  ;"  then  the  Lord  will  make 
thy  plagues  wonderful. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  human  government  is  far  less  rigid 
than  the  Divine  Government,  which  is  perfect ;  that  the 
former  takes  no  notice  of  many  sins  for  which  God  will 
hereafter  call  men  to  a  strict  account.  (2.)  That  a  man 
may  be  a  good  citizen  in  view  of  human  laws ;  and  yet  a 
bad  citizen  as  viewed  by  the  laws  of  the  higher  govern- 
ment of  God.  (3.)  That  an  escape  from  punishment  in 
this  life  is  no  proof  of  not  being  liable  to  punishment  in 
a  future  and  endless  state  of  existence.  (4.)  That  I  must 
regard  the  claims  of  both  human  and  divine  laws,  and 
conduct  myself  rightly  in  view  of  both. 

What  Illustrations  are  presented  ? 

A  GENTLEMAN  (?)  much  addicted  to  profane  swearing, 
aecompanied  a  pious  miner  to  see  one  of  the  mines  in 
Cornwall.  During  his  visit  to  the  pit  he  distressed  his 
companion  by  many  profane  and  abominable  expressions ; 
and  as  they  ascended  together,  finding  it  a  long  way,  he 
flippantly  said,  "  As  it  is  so  far  down  to  your  work,  how 
far  do  you  suppose  it  is  to  hell  ?"  The  miner  promptly  re- 
plied :  "  I  do  not  know  how  far  it  is  to  hell,  sir ;  but  I 


144  FOURTH    COMMANDMENT. 

believe  that  if  the  rope  by  which  we  are  drawn  up  should 
break,  you  would  be  there  in  one  minute." 


THE    FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  57.  WHICH  is  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT? 

The  fourth  commandment  is,  Remember  the 
Sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days  shalt  thou 
labor,  and  do  all  thy  work  ;  but  the  seventh  day  is 
the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in  it  thou  shalt 
not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daugh- 
ter, thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy 
cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates. 
For  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth, 
the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day  :  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sab- 
bath day,  and  hallowed  it. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Answer  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  men  are  apt  to  forget  the  &acred  cha- 
racter and  uses  of  the  Sabbath-day  ;  and  that  a  broad 
distinction  must  be  made  between  the  employments  of 
that  day,  and  those  of  the  other  days  of  the  week.  (2.) 
That  God,  and  not  man,  has  set  apart  the  Sabbath-day, 
as  one  of  abstinence  from  worldly  business  and  recrea- 
tions, and  of  devotion  to  religious  purposes.  (3.)  That  I 
am,  therefore,  under  the  strongest  obligations  to  observe 
it  in  the  manner  now  to  be  explained.  (4.)  That  it  is  the 
duty  of  parents,  of  masters,  and  of  heads  of  families,  to 
see  that  their  children,  their  servants,  and  inmates  of 
their  families,  observe  the  Sabbath-day.  (5.)  By  the  "set 
times"  are  meant  chiefly  the  Sabbath,  and  days  of  fasting 


FOURTH    COMMANDMENT.  145 

and  thanksgiving.  Under  the  Jewish  economy  there 
were  other  set  times  and  modes  of  worship,  which  were 
abolished  when  the  Christian  economy  was  introduced. 
Since  then  no  holidays  (holy  days)  but  the  Sabbath,  are 
of  divine  authority  or  obligation,  though  it  is  equally  our 
duty  and  our  profit  to  attend  meetings  for  the  worship 
of  God  and  religious  improvement  during  the  week  also. 
Also  (6.)  That  it  is  as  much  my  duty  to  labor  six  days,  as 
to  avoid  labor  every  seventh  day.  "  A  Christian  must 
not  only  mind  heaven,  but  his  calling." 

What  Illustration  is  given? 

No  SABBATH. — In  a  "Prize  Essay  on  the  Sabbath," 
written  by  a  journeyman  printer  in  Scotland,  there  occurs 
the  following  admirable  passage : — "  Yoke-fellow  !  think 
how  the  abstraction  of  the  Sabbath  would  hopelessly  en- 
slave the  working-classes,  with  whom  we  are  identified. 
Think  of  labor  thus  going  on  in  one  monotonous  and  con- 
tinuous and  eternal  cycle — limbs  for  ever  on  the  rack,  the 
fingers  for  ever  playing,  the  eyeballs  for  ever  straining, 
the  brow  for  ever  sweating,  the  feet  for  ever  plodding,  the 
brain  for  ever  drooping,  the  loins  for  ever  aching,  and  the 
restless  mind  for  ever  scheming.  Think  of  the  beauty  it 
would  extinguish,  of  the  giant  strength  that  it  would 
tame;  of  the  sickness  it  would  breed;  of  the  groans  it 
would  extort ;  and  of  the  cheerless  graves  that  it  would 
prematurely  dig !  See  them,  toiling  and  moiling,  sweat- 
ing and  fretting,  grinding  and  hewing,  weaving  and  spin- 
ning, sowing  and  gathering,  mowing  and  reaping,  razing 
and  building,  digging  and  planting,  unloading  and  stor- 
ing, struggling — in  the  garden  and  in  the  field,  in  the 
granary  and  in  the  barn,  in  the  factory  and  in  the  mill, 
in  the  warehouse  and  in  the  shop,  on  the  mountain  and 
in  the  ditch,  on  the  roadside  and  in  the  wood,  in  the  city 
and  in  the  country,  on  the  sea  and  on  the  shore,  on  the.- 
13 


146  FOURTH    COMMANDMENT. 

earth,  and  in  the  earth ;  in  days  of  brightness  and  of 
gloom.  What  a  sad  picture  would  the  earth  present  if 
we  had  no  Sabbath." 

Duties  Required. 

Q.  58.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  FOURTH  COMMAND- 
MENT? 

The  fourth  commandment  requireth  the  keeping 
holy  to  God  such  set  times  as  he  hath  appointed  in 
his  word ;  expressly  one  whole  day  in  seven,  to  be 
a  holy  Sabbath  to  himself. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ?     . 

1.  God  in  his  worship  hath  appointed  set  times  for  his 
worship. — Lev.  xix.  30.     Ye  shall  keep  my  Sabbaths,  and 
reverence  my  sanctuary  :  I  am  the  Lord. 

2.  God  requires  one  day  in  seven  for  himself. — Deut.  v.  14. 
The  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 

3.  The  Sabbath  is  the  day  appointed  for  the  worship  of 
God. — Exod.  xxxv.  2.     On  the  seventh  day  there  shall  be 
to  you  a  holy  day,  a  Sabbath  of  rest  to  the  Lord. 

4.  The  whole  of  the  Sabbath  is  God's,  and  must  be  used 
in  his  service. — Exod.  xxxi.   15.      Whosoever  doeth  any 
•work  in  the  Sabbath  day,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death. 

5.  The  Sabbath  is  to  be  kept  holy  to  God.— Deut.  v.  12. 
Keep  the  Sabbath  day  to  sanctify  it,  as  the  Lord  thy  God 
hath  commanded  thee. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  that  from  twelve  on  Saturday  night  to  twelve 
on  Sabbath  night,  is  a  period  sacred  to  God  and  separated 
from  worldly  uses,  and  that  any  one  part  of  this  period 
is  as  sacred  as  any  other  part  of  it,  and  to  be  observed 
accordingly. 


FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  147 

What  Illustration  is  given  ? 

The  late  Rev.  CHARLES  HALL,  of  New  York,  presents,  in 
his  own  practice,  a  striking  and  a  rare  instance  of  strict 
conformity  to  the  law  of  the  Sabbath.  The  Rev.  Dr. 
Smith  says  of  him  in  this  respect :  "  Neither  by  labor,  by 
recreation,  nor  by  travel,  under  whatever  urgency  of 
temptation,  would  he  desecrate  the  blessed  day  of  God. 
After  a  week's  toil  in  a  narrow  room  in  the  crowded  city, 
he  would  resolutely  decline  walking  in  his  garden  on  that 
day,  however  solicited  by  the  early  flowers,  the  spring 
birds  and  the  balmy  air.  He  would  avoid  the  very  ap- 
pearance of  evil;  he  would  not  even  seem  to  saunter 
away  the  holy  hours.  On  his  return  from  his  tour  in 
Europe,  the  ship  that  bore  him  arrived  at  the  wharf  in 
this  city  on  Sabbath  morning.  His  family  were  at  New-* 
ark ;  a  little  more  than  half  an  hour's  ride  in  the  cars 
would  have  taken  him  there.  His  affectionate  heart 
yearned  to  greet  them ;  but  it  was  the  Lord's  day,  and 
his  eye  was  still  '  single.'  So  he  tarried  in  the  city  until 
Monday,  '  and  rested  the  Sabbath  day,  according  to  the 
commandment.' " 

Change  of  the  Sabbath. 
Q.  59.  WHICH  DAY  OF  THE  SEVEN  HATH  GOD  APPOINTED  TO 

BE  THE  WEEKLY  SABBATH  ? 

From  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  the  resur- 
rection of  Christ,  God  appointed  the  seventh  day 
of  the  week  to  be  the  weekly  Sabbath ;  and  the 
first  day  of  the  week,  ever  since,  to  continue  to  the 
end  of  the  world,  which  is  the  Christian  Sabbath. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  seventh  day  of  the  week  was  at  first  appointed  by 
God  as  the  weekly  Sabbath. — Deut.  v.  14.  The  seventh  day 
is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 


148  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 

2.  The  change  of  the  Sabbath  took  place  immediately  after 
the  resurrection  of  Christ. — John,  xx.  19.     (Compared  with 
ver.  26.)    Then  the  same  day  at  evening,  being  the  first 
day  of  the  week,  when  the  doors  were  shut  where  the 
disciples  were  assembled  for  fear  of  the  Jews,  came  Jesus 
and  stood  in  the  midst. 

3.  The  first  day  of  the  week  is  the  Christian  Sabbath,  or 
Lord's  day. — Acts,  xx.  7.     Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
when  the  disciples  came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul 
preached  unto  them. 

4.  The  first  day  of  the  week  shall  continue  to  be  the  Lord's 
day,  without  change,  till  the  end  of  the  world. — Rev.  xxii. 
19.     If  any  man  should  take  away  from  the  words  of  the 
book  of  this  prophecy,  God  shall  take  away  his  part  out 
of  the  book  of  life. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  event  of  the  resurrection  of  Christ 
is  evidently  regarded  by  God  as  of  greater  moment  than 
that  of  the  creation  of  the  world  ;  for  the  Sabbath  which, 
for  four  thousand  years,  had  been  the  appointed  memorial 
of  the  latter,  ceased  to  be  such  when  the  former  event  oc- 
curred, of  which  thenceforth  the  Sabbath  changed  in 
consequence,  to  the  first  day  of  the  week,  became  the 
perpetual  memorial.  (2.)  That  when  the  first  day  of  the 
week  dawns  upon  me,  the  first  and  happiest  of  my 
thoughts  should  be  of  Christ  and  of  his  glorious  ascent 
from  the  grave,  in  confirmation  of  his  claims  and  suc- 
cess as  a  Redeemer.  (3.)  That  the  early  Christians  had 
good  reason  to  call  this  the  "  Lord's  day  ;"  not  only  for 
that  just  assigned,  but  Christ  had  besides  probably  au- 
thorized the  title,  either  personally  or  by  his  apostles, 
under  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  IGNATIUS,  one  of  the  early  fathers,  who  lived  at  the 
same  peiiod  with  the  apostle  John,  thus  commends  the 


FOURTH    COMMANDMENT.  149 

religious  observance  of  the  first  day  of  the  week :  "  Let 
every  one  that  loveth  Christ,  keep  holy  the  first  day  of 
the  week,  the  Lord's  day." 

2.  Says  the  Rev.  Thomas  Watson :  "  The  reason  why 
God  did  institute  the  old  Sabbath  was,  because  God 
would  have  it  kept  as  a  memorial  of  the  creation ;  but 
the  Lord  hath  now  brought  the  first  day  of  the  week  in 
the  room  of  it  in  memory  of  a  more  glorious  work  than 
creation,  and  that  is  redemption.  It  cost  more  to  redeem 
us  than  to  create  us.  In  the  creation  there  was  bat  speak- 
ing a  word ;  in  the  redeeming  of  us  there  was  the  shed- 
ding of  blood.  In  the  creation  God  gave  us  ourselves; 
in  the  redemption  he  gave  us  Himself.  By  creation  we 
have  a  life  in  Adam ;  by  redemption  we  have  a  life  in 
Christ.  By  creation  we  had  a  right  to  an  earthly  Para- 
dise; by  redemption  we  have  a  title  to  a  heavenly  king- 
dom." 

8.  THE  FIRST,  THE  BEST  DAY  OF  THE  WEEK. — God  hath 
made  all  the  days,  but  he  hath  blessed  this.  As  Jacob  got 
the  blessing  from  his  brother,  so  the  Sabbath  got  the 
blessing  from  all  the  other  days  of  the  week.  The  Sab- 
bath is  the  cream  of  time.  The  other  days  of  the  week  are 
most  employed  about  earth  ;  this  day  about  heaven, 
Now  Christ  takes  the  soul  into  the  mount,  and  gives  it 
transfiguring  sights  of  glory.  The  Apostle  John  was  in 
the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  day, — he  was  carried  up  in 
divine  raptures  towards  heaven.  Christ  wrought  most  of 
his  miracles  on  the  Sabbath:  so  he  doeth  now;  the  dead 
soul  is  raised,  the  heart  of  stone  is  made  flesh.  God  hath 
anointed  this  day  with  the  oil  of  gladness  above  its  fellows.—*- 
Thomas  Watson. 

Sanctiftcation   of  the  Sabbath. 
Q.  60.  How  is  THE  SABBATH  TO  BE  SANCTIFIED? 
The  Sabbath  is  to  be  sanctified  by  a  holy  resting 


150  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 

all  that  day,  even  from  such  worldly  employments 
and  recreations  as  are  lawful  on  other  days ;  and 
spending  the  whole  time  in  the  public  and  private 
exercises  of  God's  worship,  except  so  much  as  ia 
to  be  taken  up  in  the  works  of  necessity  and 
mercy. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  Sabbath  is  to  be  kept  by  every  one  individually  as  a 
day  of  rest  for  himself . — Exod.  xxxi.  15.     Whosoever  doeth 
any  work  in  the  Sabbath  day,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to 
to  death. 

2.  The  rest  of  the  Sabbath  is  to  be  kept  by  every  family, 
and  is  to  extend  to  our  servants  and  cattle. — Deut.  v.  14. 
That  thy  man  servant  and  thy  maid  servant  may  rest  as 
well  as  thou. 

3.  The  Sabbath  is  to  be  kept  by  communities  as  a  day  of 
rest. — Lev.  xxiii.  3.     Six  days  shall  work  be  done  :  but 
the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  rest,  a  holy  convocation : 
ye  shall  do  no  work  therein. 

4.  We  are,  on  Sabbath,  to  abstain  from  all  worldly  em- 
ployments.— Jer.  xvii.    21.      Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Take 
heed  to  yourselves,  and  bear  no  burden  on  the  Sabbath 
day. 

5.  We  are,  on  Sabbath,  to  abstain  from  such  secular  acts  as 
can  be  postponed  to  another  day. — Luke,  xxiii.  56.    And  they 
returned,  and  prepared  spices  and  ointments  ;  and  rested 
the  Sabbath  day,  according  to  the  commandment. 

6.  We  are,  on  Sabbath,  to  abstain  from  recreations  and 
pastimes,  though  lawful  on  other  days. — Isa.  Iviii.  13.     If 
thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  Sabbath,  from  doing 
thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day ;  and  call  the  Sabbath  a 
Delight,  the  Holy  of   the   Lord,  Honorable;    and  shalt 
honor  him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine 
own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  own  words. 

*7.  The  Sabbath  is  to  be  employed  in  public  exercises  of 
God's  worship. — Isa.  Ixvi.  23.  From  one  Sabbath  to  an- 
other, shall  all  flesh  come  to  worship  before  me,  saith  the 
Lord. 


FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  151 

8.  The  Sabbath  is  to  be  employed  in  private  acts  of  secret 
and  social  worship. — Lev.  xxiii.  3.     It  is  the  Sabbath  of 
the  Lord  in  all  your  dwellings. 

9.  Works  of  necessity  are  lawful  on  the  Sabbath  day. — Mat. 
xii.  1.     Jesus  went  on  the  Sabbath  day  through  the  corn, 
and  his  disciples  were  an  hungered,  and  began  to  pluck 
the  ears  of  corn,  and  to  eat. 

10.  Works  of  mercy  arc  lawful  on  the  Sabbath  day. — Luke, 
xiii.   16.     Ought  not  this  woman,   being  a  daughter  of 
Abraham,  whom  Satan   hath  bound,  lo,  these  eighteen 
years,  be  loosed  from  this  bond  on  the  Sabbath  day  ? 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  must  abstain  on  the  Sabbath  from 
all  kinds  of  business,  done  for  gain  or  livelihood,  which, 
by  prudent  management,  might  have  been  done  previ- 
ously, or  may  be  left  undone  till  after  the  Sabbath  ;  that 
I  must  abstain  from  the  reading  of  newspapers  and  books 
that  are  not  religious ;  from  studying  the  arts  and  sci- 
ences ;  from  writing  letters  upon  worldly  topics  and  in- 
terests ;  from  making  up  accounts  and  posting  books ; 
from  unnecessary  travelling ;  from  walking  and  riding 
for  pleasure ;  from  conversing  about  the  general  news  of 
the  time,  trade,  politics,  <fcc. ;  from  feasting  and  visiting 
of  friends  and  neighbors ;  from  unnecessary  preparation 
of  food  and  other  manual  labors.  (2.)  That  great  sin  is 
committed  on  the  Sabbath  by  multitudes  who  think  that 
they  pay  a  proper  respect  to  the  day ;  and  much  more 
by  others,  who  do  what  they  please  on  that  day.  (3.) 
That  it  is  not  enough  to  abstain  from  the  things  men- 
tioned above,  if  I  do  not  also  give  my  attention  to  re- 
ligious worship  and  improvement.  (4.)  That  the  right  or 
wrong  use  of  every  seventh  day  cannot  fail  to  exert  a  de- 
cided influence,  good  or  badv  upon  my  character  and 
happiness,  in  this  life  and  in  the  next. 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 
1.  On  the  morning  of  his  last  Sabbath  on  earth,  as  the 


152  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 

day  was  breaking,  a  friend  who  had  been  sitting  with 
him,  said,  to  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  CHARLES  HALL,  "Dear  broth- 
er, it  is  the  Sabbath's  dawn.  May  the  Sun  of  righteous- 
ness arise,  with  healing  on  his  wings."  He  replied,  "  The 
Sabbath— the  Sabbath— the  sweet,  blessed  Sabbath!" 
His  friend  then  repeated  the  lines: 

**  Welcome,  delightful  morn, 
Thou  day  of  sacred  rest  1" 

He  added — 

"  Lord,  make  these  moments  blest." 

As  the  sun  was  lighting  up  the  East,  the  chair  in  which, 
from  difficulty  of  breathing,  he  was  obliged  to  sit,  was 
drawn  toward  the  window,  that  he  might  look  out  once 
more  upon  the  loved  face  of  nature.  It  was  one  of  those 
serene  and  beautiful  Sabbaths,  that  had  often  called  from 
his  lips  the  exclamation — 

"  Sweet  day,  so  cool,  so  calm,  so  bright, 
The  bridal  of  the  earth  and  sky  1" 

A  member  of  his  family  not  being  aware  of  what 
had  passed,  said  to  him,  "  It  is  the  Sabbath."  "  Yes,"  re- 
plied he,  "  It  is  a  smile  of  the  Lord" 

2.  "  "Who  can  believe,"  says  Dr.  Belfrage,  "  that  one  whole 
day  in  seven  is  too  much  to  be  observed  to  the  Lord,  who 
believes    that  a  whole  eternity  shall  be  occupied,  and 
occupied  most  delightfully,  in  his  service  ?" 

3.  A  CONCLUSIVE  OBJECTION. — A  motion  was  once  made 
in  Parliament  to   drill  the  militia    on  Sunday,  for  the 
sake  of  saving  time,  and  was  likely  to  pass,  when  an  old 
member  rose  and  said,  "  I  have  one  objection  to  this, — 
I  believe  in  an  old  book  called  the  Bible"    The  members 
looked  at  one  another,  and  the  motion  was  dropped. 

4.  THE  HOUSE  OF  GOD. — When  men  attend  public  wor- 
ship but  once  on  the  Sabbath,  and  assign  as  a  reason,  that 


FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  153 

they  were  reading  the  Bible,  I  expect  that  they  could  not 
have  been  reading  the  95th  Psalm,  nor  the  25th  verse  of 
the  llth  chapter  of  Hebrews. — Rev.  Dr.  Nevins. 

5.  It  is  good  to  rest  on  the  Sabbath  day  from  the  works 
of  our  calling ;  but  if  we  rest  from  labor  and  do  no  moret 
the  ox  and  the  ass  keep  the  Sabbath  as  well  as  we,  for 
they  rest  from  labor.  We  must  dedicate  the  day  to  God ; 
we  must  not  only  "  keep  a  Sabbath,"  but  "  sanctify  a 
Sabbath."— Thomas  Watson. 

C.  Two  EXTREMES. — Among  Christians,  there  has  been 
a  difference  of  opinion  respecting  the  degree  of  strictness 
with  which  the  Sabbath  is  to  be  observed.  Some  are  for 
retaining  all  the  rigor  of  the  Jewish  law,  while  others 
insist  that  now  its  severity  is  relaxed.  It  is  possible  so 
to  overstrain  the  duties  of  the  day,  as  to  make  men  think 
that  they  can  hardly  speak,  or  move,  or  look  around 
them,  without  violating  its  sanctity ;  and  thus  to  give 
the  Sabbath  a  gloomy  and  forbidding  aspect.  It  is  pos- 
sible to  grant  such  liberty,  that  it  shall  resemble  a  human 
festival  rather  than  a  season  of  devotion — a  day  of  idle- 
ness, gossiping,  and  amusement,  mixed  up  with  some  re- 
ligious offices. — Dick's  Lectures. 

Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  61.  WHAT  is  FORBIDDEN  IN  THE  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT? 

The  fourth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  omission 
or  careless  performance  of  the  duties  required,  and 
the  profaning  the  day  by  idleness,  or  doing  that 
which  is  in.  itself  sinful,  or  by  unnecessary  thoughts, 
words,  or  works,  about  our  worldly  employments 
or  recreations. 


154  FOURTH  COMMANDMENT. 


What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  not  to  omit  any  of  the  duties  required  from  us 
on  the  Sabbath. — Ezek.  xxii.  26.     Her  priests  have  violated 
my  law,  and  have  profaned  mine  holy  things ;  they  have 
put  no  difference  between  the  holy  and  profane,  neither 
have  they  showed  difference  between  the  unclean  and  the 
clean,  and  have  hid  their  eyes  from  my  Sabbaths,  and  I 
am  profaned  among  them. 

2.  The  duties  of  the  Sabbath  are-not  to  be  performed  care- 
lessly.— Deut.  x.  12.     Serve  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul. 

3.  The  Sabbath  is  not  to  be  profaned  by  idleness. — Exod. 
xx.  8.     Remember  the  Sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy. 

4.  Sinful  acts  are  aggravated  by  being  committed  on  the 
Sabbath. — Ezek.  xxiii.  38!    They  have  defiled  my  sanctuary 
in  the  same  day,  and  have  profaned  my  Sabbaths. 

5.  Unnecessary  thoughts  about  our  worldly  concerns  are 
forbidden  on  the  Sabbath. — Amos,  viii.  5.     When  will  the 
new  moon  be  gone,  that  we  may  sell  corn?  and  the  Sab- 
bath, that  we  may  set  forth  wheat  ? 

6.  Unnecessary  conversation  about  our  worldly  affairs  is 
forbidden  on  the  Sabbath. — Isa.  Iviii.  13.     Not  doing  thine 
own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking 
thine  own  words. 

7.  Unnecessary  works  for  forwarding  our  worldly  concerns 
are  forbidden  on  the  Sabbath. —  Jcr.  xvii.   21.     Thus  saith 
the  Lord ;  Take  heed  to  yourselves,  and  bear  no  burden 
on  the  Sabbath  day. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  must  prepare  for  the  Sabbath,  by 
having  as  little  labor  of  a  worldly  sort  as  possible  to  be 
attended  to  on  that  day.  (2.)  That  I  must  make  the 
"works  of  necessity"  as  few  as  may  be.  (3.)  That  I  must 
relieve  the  destitute,  the  sick,  and  other  suffering  persons, 
as  far  as  practicable  during  the  six  days,  so  that  the  Sab- 
bath may  be  the  more  unreservedly  devoted  to  pursuits 
strictly  religious. 


FOURTH  COMMANDMENT.  155 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

w  1.  BE  AT  CHURCH  IN  TIME. — Mrs.  CHAPONE  was  asked  why 
she  always  came  so  early  to  church?  "Because,"  said 
she,  "  it  is  part  of  my  religion  never  to  disturb  the  re- 
ligion of  others." 

2.  THE  WOOD-CUTTER. — In  one  of  the  central  counties 
of  JSfew  Jersey,  a  poor  mechanic,  eminent  for  his  pious 
zeal  and  consistency,  was  very  much  tried  by  the  conduct 
of  an  ungodly  neighbor,  who  was  in  the  habit  of  cutting 
his  wood  for  the  week  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  the  sound 
of  whose  axe  continually  disturbed  the  old  Christian's 
meditation.     Father  H.,  as  he  was  called,  often  remon- 
strated earnestly  and  kindly  with  his  neighbor,  but  with 
no  effect.     At  length  he  adopted  a  different  course.     On 
Saturday  afternoon  his  neighbor  found  the  old  man  very 
busy  at  his  wood  pile,  and  inquired  in  astonishment  what 
he  was  doing.     "  Why,"  replied  Father  H.,  "  you  will  per- 
sist in  cutting  your  wood  on  God's  holy  day,  and  it  grieves 
me  so  much  that  I  mean  to  do  it  for  you  this  afternoon, 
so  that  you  will  have  no  temptation  to  do  it  to-morrow." 
The  man  was  at  once  overcome,  and  exclaimed,  "No,  you 
shall  not ;  I  will  do  it  myself ;  nor  will  you  ever,  after 
this,  have  reason  to  complain  of  me  for  chopping  wood 
on  the  Lord's  day."    And  he  was  as  good  as  his  word.— 
Am.  Messenger. 

3.  Safe  Reasoning. — "  If  you  are  not  afraid  of  God,  I 
am  afraid  of  you,"  said  a  stranger  as  he  passed  a  counting 
room  on  the  Sabbath,  and  saw  it  open.     He  next  day  re- 
fused to  sell  his  produce  to  the  Sabbath-breaker  on  any 
credit  whatever.     He  acted  wisely.     In  three  months  the 
Sabbath-breaker  was  a  bankrupt. 

4.  THE  LITTLE  BOY'S  REBUKE.— One  Sunday  a  lady  called  to 
her  little  boy,  who  was  tossing  marbles  on  the  side-walk, 
to  come  into  the  house.     "  Don't  you  know  you  shouldn't 


156  FOURTH    COMMANDMENT. 

be  out  there,  my  son?  Go  into  the  back  yard,  if  you 
want  to  play  marbles — it  is  Sunday."  "  Well,  yes.  But 
ain't  it  Sunday  in  the  back  yard,  mother  ?" 

Reasons  Annexed. 
Q.  62.  WHAT  ARE  THE  REASONS  ANNEXED  TO  THE  FOURTH 

COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  reasons  annexed  to  the  fourth  commandment 
are,  God's  allowing  us  six  days  of  the  week  for  our 
own  employments,  his  challenging  a  special  pro- 
priety in  the  seventh,  his  own  example,  and  his 
blessing  the  Sabbath  day. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  having  allowed  us  six  days  for  our  own  employ- 
ment, claims  the  seventh  for  himself. — Exod.  xxxi.  15,  16. 
Six  days  may  work  be  done,  but  in  the  seventh  is  the 
Sabbath  of  rest. — Wherefore  the  children  of  Israel  shall 
keep  the  Sabbath. 

2.  God  claiming  the  Sabbath  as  his   own  property,  re- 
quires us  to  keep  it. — Lev.  xxiii.  3.     Ye  shall  do  no  work 
therein :  it  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord. 

8.  God  having  set  us  the  example  of  resting  on  the  Sab- 
bath requires  us  to  follow  it. — Exod.  xxxi.  17.  It  is  a  sign 
between  me  and  the  children  of  Israel  for  ever :  for  in  six 
days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  on  the  seventh 
day  he  rested  and  was  refreshed. 

4.  God  requires  the  Sabbath  to  be  observed  by  us  because 
fie  himself  blessed  and  sanctified  it. — Gen.  ii.  3.  God  blessed 
the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified  it. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  there  are  strong  and  sufficient  reasons 
why  I  should  strictly  observe  the  Sabbath — reasons  that 
apply  also  to  all  other  persons.  (2.)  That  it  is  base  and 


FOURTH    COMMANDMENT.  151 

ungrateful  to  grudge  the  devoting  of  only  a  seventh  part 
of  my  time  to  God,  while  he  has  given  me  six-sevenths 
for  attending  to  my  worldly  affairs  and  recreations.  (3.) 
I  may  suppose  that  as  God  could  have  created  the  world 
by  an  immediate  act,  he  was  pleased  to  employ  six  days 
in  making  it,  followed  by  one  of  rest,  thus  to  prepare  the 
way,  by  his  own  high  example,  for  his  intelligent  crea- 
tures to  observe  a  similar  order  in  their  own  employments  ; 
in  other  words,  to  prompt  them  to  act  in  accordance  with 
the  Fourth  Command.  (4.)  As  God  on  the  Seventh  day 
looked  with  delight  upon  the  world  of  beauty  and  of  life 
which  his  operations  had  completed  on  the  preceding  six 
days,  so  he  designs  that  on  each  seventh  day  of  our  lives 
we  should  employ  ourselves  in  reflecting  upon  his  varied 
works  of  Creation,  of  Providence,  and  of  Redemption. 
(5.)  Another  strong  reason  for  observing  the  Sabbath,  in 
the  way  prescribed,  is,  that  Sabbath-breaking  has  been  the 
most  common  beginning  and  cause  of  a  life  of  crime  and  in- 
famy, while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  observance  of  the 
Sabbath  is  the  best  preparation  for  a  life  of  virtue  and 
respectability. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  SCOTCH  SABBATHS. — "  I  have  heard"  (says  one)  "  many 
curious  stories  illustrative  of  that  veneration  with  which 
the  Sabbath  is  regarded  in  /Scotland.     Let  me  mention  one. 
A  geologist,  while  in  the  country,  and  having  his  pocket 
hammer  with  him,  took  it  out  and  was  chipping  the  rock 
on  the  way-side,  for  examination.     His  proceedings  did 
not  escape  the  quiet  eye  and  ready  tongue  of  an  old 
Scotch  woman.    l  What  are  you  doing  there,  man  ?'  '  Don't 
you  see  ?  Tin  breaking  a  stone.'     '  Y'are  doing  mair  than 
that :  y'are  breaking  the  Sabbath.' " 

2.  WILBERFORCE   AND    THE    SABBATH. — This    celebrated 
man  ascribes  his  continuance  for  so  long  a  time,  under 

14 


158  FOURTH    COMMANDMENT. 

such  a  pressure  of  cares  and  labors,  in  no  small  degree  to 
the  conscientious  and  habitual  observance  of  the  Sab- 
bath. "  Oh  what  a  blessed  day,"  he  says,  "  is  the  Sab- 
bath, which  allows  us  a  precious  interval  wherein  to 
pause — to  come  out  from  the  thickets  of  worldly  con- 
cerns, and  give  ourselves  up  to  heavenly  and  spiritual 
objects !  It  is  a  blessed  thing  to  have  the  Sabbath  devoted 
to  God.  There  is  nothing  in  which  I  would  commend 
you  to  be  more  conscientious  than  in  keeping  the  Sabbath 
day." 

3.  SETTLING  ACCOUNTS. — A  GENTLEMAN  introduced  an  in- 
fidel friend  to  a  minister,  with  the  remark,  "  He  never 
attends  public  worship."     "Ah!"  said  the  minister,   "I 
am  almost  tempted  to  hope  you  are  bearing  false  witness 
against  your  neighbor."     "  By  no  means,"  said  the  in* 
fidel,  "for  I  always  spend  Sundays  in  settling  my  ac- 
counts."    The  minister  immediately  replied :  "  You  will 
find,  sir,  that  the  day  of  judgment  will  be  spent  in  the 
same  manner." 

4.  You  CAN  TRUST  HIM. — NICHOLAS  BIDDLE,  when  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  Bank,  once  dismissed  a  clerk 
because  the  latter  refused  to  write  for  him  on  the  Sabbath. 
The  young  man,  dependent  on  his  exertions,  was  thus 
thrown  out  of  employment  by  what  some  would  call  an 
over-nice  scruple  of  conscience.     But,  a  few  days  after, 
Mr.  Biddle  being  requested  to  nominate  a  cashier  for  an- 
other bank,  recommended  this  very  individual,  and  men- 
tioned this  incident  as  a  proof  of   his  trust-worthiness. 
"  You  can  trust  him"  said  he  "for  he  would  not  work  for 


5.  THE  DAY  OF  REST. — The  rest  of  the  Sabbath  is  nec- 
essary, after  the  engagement  of  the  week,  as  is  the 
night's  rest  after  the  work  of  the  day.  After  six  days  of 
labor  our  strained  muscles  need  a  season  to  renew  their 
elasticity — our  irritable  nerves  to  recover  their  moral 


FIFTH    COMMANDMENT.  159 

state — our  fretted  spirits  to  resume  their  equanimity.  A 
simple  change  of  necessary  labor  does  a  great  deal ;  the 
entire  cessation  of  all  that  is  unnecessary  does  still  more. 
The  fitting  devotional  exercises  of  the  day  are  calming 
and  soothing,  and  productive  of  that  healthy  state  of 
mind  with  which  it  is  desirable  to  enter  upon  the  duties 
of  the  succeeding  days.  The  influence  of  the  Sabbath  on 
the  week's  tumultuous  cares  is  like  oil  poured  on  a  stormy 
sea. — N.  Y.  Times. 


THE  DUTIES  WHICH  WE  OWE  TO  MAN, 

CONTAINED  IN   THE   LAST   SIX  COMMANDMENTS   OF  THE   LAW. 
THE    FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  63.  WHAT  is  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  fifth  commandment  is,  Honor  thy  father  and 
thy  mother  ;  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the 
land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Answer  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  must  love,  obey,  and  provide  for  my 
father  and  mother.  (2.)  That  God  greatly  cares  for  the 
comfort  of  my  parents,  or  he  would  not  have  given  this 
command  so  prominent  a  place,  nor  connected  with  obedi- 
ence to  it  a  special  promise,  such  as  no  other  of  the  ten 
commands  furnishes.  (3.)  That  disobedience  to  parents, 
and  a  neglect  of  their  welfare,  is  a  base  and  aggravated 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  The  late  Professor  B.  B.  EDWARDS,  for  a  long  time 
after  the  decease  of  his  mother,  remained  sad  and  melan- 


160  FIFTH    COMMANDMENT. 

choly.  Those  who  saw  the  influence  of  his  affliction, 
said,  one  to  another :  "  Behold  how  he  loved  her !"  He 
felt  a  pious  joy  in  looking  forward  to  his  college  va- 
cations, when  he  might  place  some  green  sods  upon  her 
grave. — Park's  Memoirs. 

2.  A  FATHER'S  PRAYER. — A  boy  disobeyed  his  father.  His 
father,  with  a  look  of  sorrow,  retired  to  his  room.  The 
boy  wishe^l  to  know  what  his  father  was  doing,  or  going 
to  do,  for  he  felt  guilty.  So,  with  the  mean  spirit  of  a 
disobedient  boy,  he  looked  through  the  key-hole.  There 
he  saw  his  father  on  his  knees  at  prayer.  He  listened 
and  heard  his  father  praying  for  him.  This  struck  him 
to  the  heart.  He  went  away  and  prayed  for  himself. 
God  heard  the  prayer  of  this  pious  father,  and  his  son 
became  a  Christian  indeed. — N.  Y.  Observer. 


Duties  Required. 

Q.  64.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT? 

The  fifth  commandment  requireth  the  preserving 
the  honor,  and  performing  the  duties  belonging  to 
every  one  in  their  several  places  and  relations,  as 
superiors,  inferiors,  or  equals. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  several  stations  in  society  are  ordained  by  God. — 
Rom.  xiii.  1.     The  powers  that  be,  are  ordained  of  God. 

2.  We  must  preserve  the  honor  due  to  every  one  in  their 
several  stations. — 1  Pet.  ii.  17.     Honor  all  men. 

3.  We  must  preserve  the  honor  due  to  our  superiors. — 
Lev.  xix.  82.     Thou  shalt  rise  up  before  the  hoary  head, 
and  honor  the  face  of  the  old  man,  and  fear  thy  God  :  I 
am  the  Lord. 

4.  We   must  preserve  the  honor  due  to  our  inferiors. — 
Rom.  xii.  16.     Condescend  to  men  of  low  estate. 


FIFTH    COMMANDMENT.  161 

5.  We  must  preserve  the  honor  due  to  our  equals. — Rom. 
xii.    10.       Be   kindly  affectioned  one    to   another   with 
brotherly  love  ;  in  honor  preferring  one  another. 

6.  We  arc  faithfully  to  perform  the  duties  which  belong  to 
every  one  in  their  several  stations. — Rom.  xiii.  7.     Render 
therefore  to  all  their  dues. 

7.  We  must  perform. the  duties  which  we  owe  to  our  superi- 
ors.— Rom.  xiii.  1.     Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the 
higher  powers. 

8.  We  must  perform  the  duties  which  we  owe  to  our  inferi- 
ors.— Eph.  vi.  9.     And,   ye  masters,  do  the  same   things 
unto  them,   forbearing  threatening:  knowing  that  your 
Master  also  is  in  heaven. 

9.  We   must  perform    the   duties   which   we  owe  to  our 
equals — Eph.  v.  21.      Submitting  yourselves  one  to  an- 
other in  the  fear  of  God. 

10.  All  our  social  duties  must  be  performed  with  a  due 
regard  to  the  authority  of  God. — Eph.  vi.  7.     With  good- 
will doing  service,  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  to  men. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  all  men  do  not  stand  on  the  same  level, 
but  that  some  are  so  situated  as  to  hold  a  certain  author- 
ity and  command  over  others.  (2.)  That  the  present 
state  of  society  being  such  by  God's  arrangement,  I 
must  regard  it  as  wise  and  useful.  (3.)  Out  of  this  state 
of  things  grows  a  large  number  of  duties,  the  perform- 
ance of  which  binds  society  most  happily  together.  (4.) 
I  ought  to  be  content  with  the  station  in  life  which  God 
has  given,  and  attentive  to  its  specific  duties.  (5.)  The 
superiors  to  whom  I  owe  respect  and  various  duties,  are 
such  as  the  following : — not  only  my  father  and  mother, 
but  all  others  who  are  appointed  over  me  in  places  of 
authority,  whether  in  the  family,  or  in  the  church  of 
Christ,  or  in  the  State, — all  who  are  above  me  in  station, 
office,  dignity,  or  gifts.  (6.)  By  inferiors  are  meant,  all 
who  are  ufider  me  in  those  respects.  (7.)  Equals  are 
those  of  about  equal  age,  gifts,  or  condition  in  the  world. 


162  FIFTH    COMMANDMENT. 

(8.)  Among  the  relations  existing,  are  those  of  husband 
and  wife,  parent  and  child,  minister  and  people,  master 
and  servant,  employer  and  apprentices,  magistrate  and  pri- 
vate citizen,  teacher  and  pupil,  brothers  and  sisters,  elder 
and  younger.  (9.)  It  becomes  a  duty  to  examine  the 
Scriptures,  and  to  employ  deep  reflection,  to  ascertain 
what  course  of  conduct  I  owe  to  my  fellow-men,  accord- 
ing as  they  are  related  to  me  in  any  of  the  ways  just 
pointed  out ;  and  then,  conscientiously  and  carefully  to 
pursue  that  course,  because  God  requires  it. 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  GENERAL  HARRISON. — On  his  way  to  Washington,  to 
enter  upon  the  duties  of  the  Presidential  chair,  General 
Harrison  made  a  visit  to  his  native  place  in  Virginia,  and 
here,  for  the  last  time,  saw  the  home  of  his  infancy.     He 
passed  through  the  house  from  room  to  room,  until,  upon 
arriving  at  a  retired  bed-chamber,  he  burst  into  tears, 
saying  to  a  friend,  who  accompanied  him,  "  This  is  the 
spot  where  my  mother  used  to  pray  with  me."    This  was  the 
hidden   influence  which  had  followed  him  through  all 
the  exciting  scenes  of  his  eventful  life. — Dr.  Magie. 

2.  THE  POOR  WIDOW. — "  Uncle  Oliver,"  said  the  pastor 
of  a  country  church,  to  an  elderly  farmer  of  his  flock,  "  I 
wish  you  would  carry  a  load  of  wood  to  old  Mrs.  W.,  the 
widow  of  our  Christian  brother,  who  lived  so  long  just 
beyond  you  on  the  road  to  D."     "  I  will  try  to  do  it," 
said  the  farmer ;  "  but  to  whom  shall  I  look  for  the  pay  ?" 
Said  the  pastor,  "  Read,  when  you  go  home,  the  first  three 
verses  of  the  41st  Psalm ;    and  then,  if  you  want  any 
better  security  for  payment,  call  on  me."    It  was  but  a 
few  days  after,  the  old  gentleman  met  his  pastor,  and 
said,  "  I  like  that  security  you  mentioned,  and  have  no 
fear  that  it  will  fail  me  in  the  time  of  need — for  my  heart 


FIFTH  COMMANDMENT.  163 

BO  felt  the  assurance,  when  reading  it,  that  I  could  scarce 
close  my  eyes  that  night." — N.  Y.  Evang. 

3.  I  CANNOT  PRAY  FOR  FATHER  ANY  MOKE! — A  CHILD 
knelt,  at  the  accustomed  hour,  to  thank  God  for  the 
mercies  of  the  day,  and  pray  for  care  through  the  coming 
night ;  then,  as  usual,  came  the  earnest,  "  God  bless  dear 
mother  and" — but  the  prayer  was  stilled !  the  little  hands 
unclasped,  and  a  look  of  agony  and  wonder  met  the 
mother's  eye  as  the  words  of  hopeless  sorrow  burst  from 
the  lips  of  the  kneeling  child,  "  I  cannot  pray  for  father 
any  more  /"  Since  her  little  lips  had  been  able  to  form 
the  dear  name  she  had  prayed  for  a  blessing  upon  it ;  it 
had  followed  close  after  mother's  name,  for  he  had  said 
that  must  come  first ;  and  now  say  the  familiar  prayer, 
and  leave  her  father  out  I  No  wonder  that  the  new 
thought  seemed  too  much  for  the  childish  mind  to  re- 
ceive. I  waited  for  some  moments  that  she  might  con- 
quer her  emotion,  and  then  urged  her  to  go  on.  Her 
pleading  eyes  met  mine,  and,  with  a  voice  that  faltered 
too  much  almost  for  utterance,  she  said,  "  O  mother,  I 
cannot  leave  him  all  out ;  let  me  say,  '  thank  God  that  I 
had  a  dear  father  once  !'  so  I  can  still  go  on  and  keep  him 
in  my  prayers."  And  so  she  always  does,  and  my  stricken 
heart  learned  a  lesson  from  the  loving  ingenuity  of  my 
child.  Remember  to  thank  God  for  mercies  past,  as  well 
as  to  ask  blessings  for  the  future. — Presbyterian. 

Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  65.  WHAT  is  FORBIDDEN  IN  THE  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  fifth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  neglect- 
ing of,  or  doing  anything  against,  the  honor  and 
duty  which  belongeth  to  every  one  in  their  several 
places  and  relations. 


164  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 


What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  honor  due  to  every  one. — 1 
Pet.  iii.  8.     Love  as  brethren. — Be  courteous. 

2.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  honor  due  to  our  superiors.— 
.Rom.  xiii.  7.     Render  therefore  to  all  their  dues. — Honor 
to  whom  honor. 

3.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  honor  due  to  our  inferiors. — 
Gen.  xxiii.  7.     Abraham  stood  up  and  bowed  himself  to 
the  people  of  the  land,  even  to  the  children  of  Heth. 

4.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  honor  due  to  our  equals. — 
Rom.  xii.  16.     Be  of  the  same  mind  one  toward  another. 

5.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  against  the  honor  belong- 
ing to  every  one. — 1  Cor.  ix.  22.     To  the  weak  became  I  as 
weak,  that  I  might  gain  the  weak. 

6.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  against  the  honor  due  to  our 
superiors. — Eccl.  x.  20.     Curse  not  the  king,  no,  not  in  thy 
thought. 

7.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  against  the  honor  due  to 
our  inferiors. — Mat.  xxiii.  11.     He  that  is  greatest  among 
you,  shall  be  your  servant. 

8.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  against  the  honor  due  to  our 
equals. — Phil.  ii.  3.     Let  each  esteem  other  better  than 
themselves. 

9.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  duties  which  are  due  to  our 
fellow-men. — Rom.  xiii.  8.     Owe  no  man  anything,  but  to 
love  one  another. 

10.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  duties  which  are  due  to  our 
superiors. — Tit.  iii.  1.     Be  subject  to  principalities  and 
powers. — Obey  magistrates. 

11.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  duties  which  are  due  to  our 
inferiors. — Col.  iv.  1.     Masters,  give  unto  your  servants 
that  which  is  just  and  equal. 

12.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  duties  which  are  due  to  our 
equals. — Gal.  v.  13.     By  love  serve  one  another. 

13.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  against  the  duties  which  we 
owe  to  our  fellow-men. — 1  Thes.  v.  15.     Follow  that  which 
is  good,  both  among  yourselves  and  to  all  men. 

14.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  against  the  duty  which  we 
owe  to  our  superiors. — 1  Pet.  iii.  6.      Sarah  obeyed  Abra- 
ham, calling  him  lord. 

15.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  against  the  duty  which  we 


FIFTH   COMMANDMENT.  165 

owe  to  our  inferiors. — Mat.  xxiii.  4.  They  bind  heavy 
burdens,  and  grievous  to  be  borne,  and  lay  them  on  men's 
shoulders. 

16.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  against  the  duty  which  we 
owe  t$  our  equals. — Phil.  ii.  3.  Let  nothing  be  done 
through  strife  or  vain  glory. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  am  not  allowed  to  be  inattentive, 
much  less  to  be  opposed,  to  the  rendering  of  due  respect 
and  kindness  to  all  classes  of  my  fellow-men,  and  to  my 
various  relatives.  (2.)  That  there  are  many,  beside  my- 
self, that  have  rights,  and  whose  happiness  must  be 
honestly  and  faithfully  consulted. 

What  Illustration  is  given  ? 

1.  The  words  of  All  to  his  Sons. — "  My  sons,  never  de- 
spise any  person  ;  consider  your  superior  as  your  father, 
your  equal  as  your  brother,  and  your  inferior  as  your 
son." 

2.  ANNE  BOLEYN. — Queen  Anne  Boleyn  is  said  to  have 
been  provided  daily  with  a  purse,  the  contents  of  which 
were  entirely  appropriated  to  the  poor,  when  she  casu- 
ally met  with  proper  objects — justly  thinking  no  week 
well  passed  which  did  not  afford  her  pleasure  in  the  re- 
trospect.   Impressed  with  this  conviction,  the  unfortunate 
Queen  insisted  that  all  her  attendants  should   employ 
their  leisure  in  making  clothes  for  the  poor,  which  she 
took  care  to  see  properly  distributed. — Percy  Anecdotes. 

3.  CHARITABLE  PASTOR. — A  Parisian,  paying  a  visit  to  a 
curate  in  the  middle  of  winter,  remarked  that  he  was 
living  in  a  house  with  naked  walls,  and  inquired  why  he 
had  not  got  hangings  to  protect  him  from  the  rigor  of 
the  cold  ?     The  good  pastor  showed  him  two  little  chil- 
dren that  he  had  taken  care  of,  and  replied,  "  I  had  rather 
clothe  these  poor  children  than  my  walls." — Ibid. 


166  FIFTH  COMMANDMENT. 

4.  GEORGE  THE  THIBD. — An  application  was  once  made 
to  the  benevolent  compassion  of  George  III.,  out  of  the 
due  order,  by  a  person  who  was  reduced,  with  a  large 
family,  to  extreme  distress.     It  succeeded  far  beyond  his 
hopes.     He  was  so  overpowered  by  the  graciousness  and 
extent  of  the  benefaction,  as,  upon  receiving  it,  to  fall  on 
his  knees,  and,  with  a  flood  of  grateful  tears,  to  thank  the 
donor  for  his  goodness.     "  Rise,"  said  the  condescending 
sovereign ;  "  go  and  thank  God  for  having  disposed  my 
heart  to  relieve  your  necessities." — Ibid. 

5.  ISLE  OF  MAN. — It  is  a  proverb  among  the  hospitable 
inhabitants  of  the  Isle  of  Man,  that    "  When  one  poor 
man  relieves  another,  God  himself  laughs  for  joy."    Poor- 
rates,  and  most  other  parochial  rates,  are  unknown ;  and 
there  is  not,  in  the  whole  island,  either  hospital,  work- 
house, or  house  of  correction,  though  in  every  parish 
there  is  at  least  one  charity  school,  and  often  a  small 
library.     A  collection  is  made,  as  in  Scotland,  after  the 
morning  service  of  every  Sunday,  for  the  relief  of  such 
poor  of  the  parish  as  are  thought  deserving  of  charity. 
The  donation  is  optional,  but  it  is  usual  for  every  one  to 
give  something. — Ibid. 

6.  How  TO  RUIN  A  SON. — 1.  Let  him  have  his  own  way. 
2.  Allow  him  a  free  use  of  money.     3.  Suffer  him  to  roam 
where  he  pleases  on  the  Sabbath.     4.  Give  him  full  ac- 
cess to  wicked  companions.      5.  Call  him  to  no  account 
of  his  earnings.     6.  Furnish  him  with  no  stated  employ- 
ment.    7.    Do  not  discourage   the  use  of   intoxicating 
liquors. 

Reasons  Annexed. 

Q.  66.  WHAT  is  THE  REASON  ANNEXED  TO  THE  FIFTH  COM- 
MANDMENT ? 

The  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth  commandment 


FIFTH    COMMANDMENT.  167 

is,  A  promise  of  long  life  and  prosperity  (as  far  as 
it  shall  serve  for  God's  glory  and  their  own  good) 
to  all  such  as  keep  this  commandment. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Long  life  is  promised  to  those  who  honor  their  parents. 

— Eph.  vi.  2,  3.     Honor  thy  father  and  mother,  that 

thou  mayest  live  long  on  the  earth. 

2.  Temporal  prosperity  is  promised  to  those  who  honor 
their  parents. — Eph.   vi.   2,   3.      Honor    thy  father    and 
mother,  that  it  may  be  well  with  thee. 

3.  Temporal  prosperity  and  long  life  are  always  regulated 
by  a  regard  to  the  glory  of  God. — John,  xi.  4.     This  sick- 
ness is  not  unto  death,  but  for  the  glory  of  God. 

4.  Temporal  prosperity  is  always  limited  to  what  is  best 
for  the  people  of  God. — Prov.  xxx.  8.     Give  me  neither 
poverty  nor  riches  ;  feed  me  with  food  convenient  forme. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  should  desire  to  live,  and  to  be  pros- 
pered in  my  plans  and  undertakings,  only  so  far  as  may 
promote  my  best  interests — the  interests  of  my  soul — 
and  my  usefulness,  and  the  glory  of  God.  (2.)  That  the 
afflictions  and  early  death  of  some  who  have  been  obedi- 
ent to  the  Fifth  Command,  are  to  be  explained  con- 
sistently with  the  annexed  promise,  by  supposing  that 
those  providential  arrangements  were  occasioned  by  God's 
regard  for  their  true  interest,  their  eternal  happi- 
ness, and  his  own  glory.  (3.)  That  eternal  life,  and 
my  being  instrumental  in  honoring  God,  are  of  more 
value  than  great  length  of  days  on  earth ;  are  to  be  more 
esteemed  than  great  temporal  possessions,  or  pleasures,  or 
distinctions. 

What  Illustrations  are  presented  ? 

1.  The  late  PRESIDENT  DWIGHT,  of  Yale  College,  says: 
"  In  conversing  with  the  plain  people  of  this  country, 


168  FIFTH   COMMANDMENT. 

distinguished  for  their  good  sense,  and  careful  observa- 
tions of  facts,  I  have  found  them  to  a  great  extent  firmly 
persuaded  of  the  verification  of  this  promise  (of  temporal 
blessings)  in  our  own  days  ;  and  ready  to  produce  a  variety 
of  proofs  from  cases  in  which  they  have  seen  the  blessing 
realized.  Their  opinion  on  this  subject  is  mine;  and 
with  their  experience  mine  has  coincided." —  Works,  vol. 
iii.,  p.  297. 

2.  The  AMEBICAN  INDIANS,  as  a  first   lesson,  inculcate 
upon  their  children  obedience  to  parents,  and  respect  for 
old  age ;  and  among  no  people  is  filial  obedience  more 
promptly  or  generally  rendered.     A  father  need  only  say, 
in  presence  of  his  children,  "I  want  such  a  thing  done  ; 
who  is  the  good  child  that  will  do  it  ?"  and  they  vie  with 
each  other  in  their  ready  compliance  with  his  wishes. 
When  an  old  decrepit  man  or  woman  passes  by,  led  by  a 
child,  the  father  calls  the  attention  of  his  children  to  the 
scene,  and  remarks:   "What  a  good  child  that  must  be, 
who  pays  such  attention  to  the  aged  1     That  child  looks 
forward  to  the  time  when  it  likewise  will  be  old."     Or, 
perhaps,  he  will  say,  "  May  the  Great  Spirit,  who  looks 
upon  him,  grant  this  good  child  a  long  life. " 

3.  DISOBEDIENCE  TO  PARENTS. — There  is  too  little  respect 
paid  to  parental  authority  at  the  present   day.      It  is 
grievous  to  go  into  many  families  and  hear  the  language 
daily  used  by  the  children.     There  is  truth  as  well  as 
rhyme  in  a  couplet  by  Randolph : 

"  Whoever  makes  his  parent's  heart  to  bleed 
Shall  have  a  child  that  will  revenge  the  deed." 

One  thing  is  certain,  an  undutiful  son  and  a  disobedient 
daughter  cannot  long  prosper.  For  a  season  they  may  ap- 
pear well  to  the  eye  of  a  stranger,  but  their  self-will  and 
stubbornness  are  soon  discovered,  and  they  are  despised. 


SIXTH    COMMANDMENT.  169 

A  child  who  disobeys  his  parents  will  not  hesitate  to 
abuse  anybody.  Neither  age  nor  talents  receive  respect 
from  him.— N.  Y.  Obs. 

4.  FOR  PARENTS. — "To  give  children  good  instruction 
and  a  bad  example,"  says  Archbishop  Tillotson,  "is  but 
BECKONING  to  them  with  one  hand  to  show  them  the  way 
to  heaven,  while  we  take  them  by  the  other  and  LEAD 
them  to  HELL." 

THE   SIXTH   COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  67.  WHICH  is  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT 

The  sixth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Answer  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  except  God  had  expressly  given  per 
mission,  as  he  did  to  Noah,  it  would  be  unlawful  to  take 
the  life  of  the  lower  animals ;  but  he  allows  us  to 
use  for  food  those  that  are  adapted  to  that  purpose,  and 
to  destroy  those  that  are  hurtful  or  dangerous  to  us. 
(2.)  That  the  precept  is  designed,  therefore,  to  protect 
human  life. 

Duties  Required. 

Q.  68.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  sixth  commandment  requireth  all  lawful  en- 
deavors to  preserve  our  own  life  and  the  life  of 
others. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Answer  ? 

1.  We  must  use  all  lawful  endeavors  to  preserve  our  own 
lives. — I  Tim.  v.  23.  Use  a  little  wine  for  thy  stomach's 
sake,  and  thine  often  infirmities. 

15 


170  SIXTH    COMMANDMENT. 

2.  We  are  to  use  no  unlawful  endeavors  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  our  lives. — Mat.  xvi.  25.     Whosoever  will  save  his 
life,  shall  lose  it. 

3.  We  must  use  all  lawful  endeavors  to  preserve  the  lives 
of  others. — Prov.  xxiv.  li,  12.     If  thou  forbear  to  deliver 
them  that  are  drawn  unto  death,  and  those  that  are  ready 
to  be  slain ;   if  thou  sayest,  Behold,  we  knew  it  not ;  doth 
not  he  that  pondereth  the  heart  consider  it  ? 

4.  We  are  to  use  no  unlawful  endeavors  to  preserve  the  lives 
of  others. — Num.  xxxv.  81.    Ye  shall  take  no  satisfaction 
for  the  life  of  a  murderer. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  am  required  to  use  such  means  for 
prolonging  my  own  life  and  the  life  of  others,  as  the  laws 
of  God  and  of  man  allow.  (2.)  That  I  may,  by  force,  de- 
fend life  from  violence,  unless  it  be  demanded  by  the 
laws  of  my  country  on  account  of  crime.  (3.)  That  my 
bodily  health  and  that  of  others  should  be  carefully  pro- 
vided for,  in  respect  to  food,  medicine,  clothing,  and  other 
needful  accommodations.  (4.)  That  my  appetite  and 
desires  must  not  be  gratified  in  such  a  measure  or  degree 
as  tends  to  destroy  or  shorten  life.  (5.)  That  it  is  my 
duty  to  contribute  to  the  relief  of  human  want  and  dis- 
ease. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate? 

1.  "NEVER  MIND  THE  PROPERTY — SAVE  THE  LIVES." — When 
the  great  book  establishment  of  the  Messrs  Harper,  in  the 
City  of  New  York,  was  on  fire  (Dec.  10,  1853),  and  in 
evident  danger,  with  its  immensely  valuable  contents,  of 
soon  being  destroyed,  Col.  JOHN  HARPER,  one  of  the  firm, 
when  informed,  in  his  counting-room,  of  this  fact,  and  the 
inquiry  was  added,  "  What  portion  of  the  property  shall 
we  save  first,  sir?"  promptly  and  nobly  replied,  "Never 
mind  the  property — save  the  lives."  There  were  about 
six  hundred  persons  engaged  at  the  time  in  the  various 


SIXTH    COMMANDMENT.  171 

buildings  of  the  establishment,  all  of  whom,  through  the 
most  vigorous  exertions  of  the  firemen  and  others,  were 
rescued  from  an  impending  and  horrible  death  by  fire. 
"  This  is  a  sad  calamity,  sir,"  said  a  friend  to  Mr.  John 
Harper,  alluding  to  the  conflagration,  "  a  large  number 
of  poor  persons  thrown  out  of  employment."  "  Ah,  yes,*9 
answered  Mr.  Harper,  "  God  bless  them,  they  must  be 
seen  to." 

2.  At  a  time  of  famine  in  the  city  of  Rome,  Pompey 
provided  grain  for  their  relief;  and  when  the  mariners 
were  reluctant  to  sail  thither  in  a  tempest,  said  he,  "  It  is 
not  necessary  that  we  should  live,  but  it  is  necessary  that 
Rome  be  relieved." 

3.  "  DON'T  STEP  THEUE." — A  layer  of  snow  was  spread 
over  the  icy  streets,  and  pedestrians  walked  carefully, 
shod  with  India-rubber,  toward  the  churches,  on  a  cold 
Sabbath    morning    in    February.      Walking    somewhat 
hastily,  for  he  was  late,  a  gentleman  noticed  a  bright- 
looking  little  lad,  with  his  eyes  fixed  upon  one  spot  on 
the  side- walk;    and,  as    he    approached,  the    lad    said, 
"  Please  don't  step  there,  sir ;   I  slipped  there,  and  fell 
down."     The  gentleman  thanked  the  philanthropic  little 
fellow,  and  passed  round  the  dangerous  spot.     Selfish- 
ness would  hurry  away  from  the  place  of  a  fall,  mutter- 
ing, "  It  is  none  of  my  business  what  becomes  of  those 
who  follow."     Pride  would  seek  to  hide  his  humiliation. 
Mischief  and  malignity  would  wait  for  a  laugh  or  a  sneer 
at  the  coming  helpless  traveller ;  but  benevolence  halts 
for  a  little  to  utter  a  kind  warning,  and  to  guard  a  fellow- 
being  against  a  calamity. 

Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  69.  WHAT  is  FORBIDDEN  IN  THE  SIXTH  COMMANDMENT? 
The  sixth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  taking 


172  SIXTH   COMMANDMENT. 

away  of  our  own  life,  or  the  life  of  our  neighbor, 
unjustly,  or  whatsoever  tendeth  thereunto. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  not  to  destroy  our  own  lives. — Acts,  xvi.  28. 
Do  thyself  no  harm. 

2.  We  are  to  avoid  everything  which  would  tend  to  take 
away  our  own  lives. — Job,  xiv.  14.     All  the  days  of  my  ap- 
pointed time  will  I  wait,  till  my  change  come. 

3.  We  are  not  to  take  away  the  life  of  another  person  un- 
justly.— Lev.  xxiv.   17.     He  that  killeth  any  man  shall 
surely  be  put  to  death. 

4.  We  are  to  avoid  everything  which  would  tend  to  take 
away  the  life  of  another. — Deut.  xxiv.  6.     No  man  shall 
take  the  nether  or  the  upper  millstone  to  pledge :  for  he 
taketh  a  man's  life  to  pledge. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  human  life,  in  some  cases,  may  be 
justly  taken  away ;  as  when  it  is  necessary  to  my  own 
defence,  or  that  of  others,  from  unlawful  violence ;  also, 
when  it  is  taken  by  a  magistrate  in  due  course  of  law,  as 
the  punishment  of  some  flagrant  crime ;  and  also  in  law- 
ful war,  in  defence  of  our  country,  or  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty.  (2.)  Hence,  also,  I  learn,  that  it  is  wicked  to 
form  any  designs  against  my  own  life  or  the  life  of  others ; 
it  is  contrary  to  this  command,  also,  to  indulge  in  envy, 
rage,  malice,  impatience,  discontent,  and  immoderate 
grief,  under  trouble ;  to  practice  gluttony  and  drunken- 
ness ;  to  over-work  myself  or  any  in  my  employment, 
for  the  sake  of  gain ;  to  expose  my  life  or  theirs  to  un- 
necessary dangers ;  or  even  to  neglect  proper  means  for 
preserving  life.  (3.)  If  the  care  of  the  life  of  the  body  is 
so  guarded  by  the  divine  law,  how  much  more  worthy  of 
care  is  the  salvation  of  my  own  soul  and  of  the  souls  of 
my  fellow-men  ?  If  the  short  life  on  earth  is  of  so  much 


SIXTH    COMMANDMENT.  173 

value,  how  incalculably  more  valuable  is  the  life  of  ever- 
lasting ages  ?  (4.)  How  great,  therefore,  is  the  crime  of 
doing  anything  to  hinder  my  own  salvation  or  that  of 
others  ? 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  How  TO  DISPOSE  OF  AN  INJURY. — In  a  school-room,  in 
Boston,  a  little  boy,  about  seven  years  of  age,  was  sitting 
beside   his   sister,  about  five  years  old.       George  got 
angry  with  his  sister  about  something,  doubled  up  his 
fist,  and  struck  her  on  the  head.     The  little  girl  was  just 
going  to  strike  him  back  again,  when  the  teacher,  seeing 
it,  said :    "  My  dear  Mary,  you   had  better    kiss   your 
brother.     See  how  angry  and  unhappy  he  looks  !"    Mary 
looked  at  her  brother.     He  looked  sullen  and  wretched. 
Her  resentment  was  soon  gone,  and  love  for  her  brother 
returned  to  her  heart.     She  threw  both  her  arms  around 
his  neck,  and  kissed  him.     The  poor  boy  was  wholly  un- 
prepared for  such  a  kind  return  for  his  blow.     He  could 
not  stand  before  the  generous  affection  of  his  sister.     His 
feelings  were  touched,   and   he  burst   into  tears.      His 
gentle  sister  took  the  corner  of  her  apron,  and  wiped 
away  his  tears,  and  sought  to  comfort  him  by  saying : 
"  Don't  cry,  George ;  you  did  not  hurt  me  much."     But 
he  only  wept  the  more. 

2.  THK  TRUE  PHILOSOPHY. — "What  do  you  mean  to  do 

with  K ?"  said  a  friend  of  THEODORE  HOOKE,  alluding 

to  a  man  who  had  grossly  vilified  him.     "  Do  with  him  ?" 
rejoined  Hooke,    "why  I  mean  to  let  him  alone  most 


3.  Thomas    Watson    well    remarks,     that    surfeiting 
shortens  life;    "more  die  of  it   than  by  the    sword;" 
many  dig  their  graves   with  their  teeth;    "the  cup  kills 
more  than  the  cannon." 

4.  SELF-MURDER  may  also  be  committed  not  only  by  an 

15* 


174  SEVENTH    COMMANDMENT. 

act  of  violence  or  by  poison,  but  by  indulging  envy,  dis- 
content, immoderate  grief,  and  despondency. 

5.  PETER  THE  GREAT  made  a  law,  in  1722,  that  if  any 
nobleman  beat  or  ill-used  his  slaves,  he  should  be  looked 
upon  as  insane,  and  a  guardian  should  be  appointed  to 
take  care  of  his  person  and  of  his  estate.  The  great 
monarch  once  struck  his  gardener,  who,  being  a  man  of 
great  sensibility,  took  to  his  bed,  and  died  in  a  few  days. 
Peter,  hearing  of  this,  exclaimed,  with  tears  in  his  eyes, 
"Alas!  I  have  civilized  my  own  subjects;  I  have  con- 
quered other  nations ;  yet  I  have  not  been  able  to  civilize 
or  to  conquer  myself." — Percy  Anecdotes. 


THE    SEVENTH    COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  70.  WHICH  is  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT? 

The  seventh  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
commit  adultery. 

Duties  Required. 

Q.  71.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  SEVENTH  COMMAND- 
MENT ? 

The  seventh  commandment  requireth  the  preser- 
vation of  our  own  and  our  neighbor's  chastity,  in 
heart,  speech  and  behavior. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  to  preserve  our  own  chastity. — 1    Thes.  iv.  4. 
That  every  one  of  you  should  know  how  to  possess  his 
vessel  in  sanetification  and  honor. 

2.  We  are  to  avoid  all  occasions  of  temptation. — Prov.  v. 
&,     Remove  thy  way  far  from  her,  and  come  not  nigh  the 
door  of  her  house. 


SEVENTH    COMMANDMENT.  175 

3.  We  are  to  be  chaste  in  our  thoughts. — 2  Tim.  ii.  22. 
Flee  also  youthful  lusts. 

4.  We  are  to  be  chaste  in  our  words. — Eph.  v.  4.     Neither 
filthiness,  nor  foolish  talking. 

5.  We  are  to  be  chaste  in  our  actions. — 1  Pet.  iii.  2.    While 
they  behold  our  chaste  conversation  coupled  with  fear. 

6.  We  are  to  endeavor  to  preserve  our  neighbor's  chastity  as 
well  as  our  own. — Eph.  v.  11.      Have  no  fellowship  with 
the  unfruitful  works  of   darkness,  but   rather  reprove 
them. 

What  Lesson  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  that  in  mind  as  well  as  body  I  must  guard  my- 
self against  immodesty ;  and  to  help  me  to  do  this  effect- 
ually, it  will  be  well  to  call  to  mind  the  noble  reply  of 
Joseph,  when  tempted  to  a  gross  sin  of  this  kind :  "  How 
can  I  do  this  great  wickedness,  and  sin  against  God  ?" 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  WILLIAM  KELLY,  of  the  Isle  of  Man,  was  very  earnest 
and  affectionate  in  his  exhortations  to  his  young  friends, 
and  used  often  to  repeat  to  them  that  passage  in  the  119th 
Psalm: 

How  shall  the  young  preserve  their  ways 

From  all  pollution  free  ? 
By  making  still  their  course  of  life 

With  thy  commands  agree. 

And  he  would  conclude  by  saying,  "Remember  the 
word  all" 

2.  The  pious  M'Cheyne,  of  Scotland,  remarks:  "Eve, 
Achan,  David,  all  fell  through  the  '  lust  of  the  eye.'    I 
should  make  a  covenant  with   mine,  and  pray,   '  Turn 
away  mine  eyes  from  beholding  vanity.'      *          #        * 
*          *        *          *          Satan  makes  unconverted  men 
like  the  deaf  adder  to  the  sound  of  the  Gospel.     I  should 
pray  to  be  made  deaf  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  all  that  would 
tempt  me  to  sin.     I  ought  to  meditate  often  on  heaven  as  a 


1 76  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT. 

world  of  holiness — where  all  are  holy,  where  the  joy  Is 
holy  joy,  the  work  holy  work ;  so  that  without  personal 
holiness  I  never  can  be  there." — Memoir,  p.  139 

Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  72.  WHAT  is  FORBIDDEN  IN  THE  SEVENTH  COMMAND- 
MENT? 

The  seventh  commandment  forbiddeth  all  un- 
chaste thoughts,  words,  and  actions. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  All  unchaste   thoughts   are  forbidden. — Mat.   v.   28. 
Whosoever  looketh  on  a  woman  to  lust  after  her,  hath 
committed  adultery  with  her  already  in  his  heart. 

2.  All   unchaste    conversation  is  forbidden. — Eph.    iv. 
29.     Let  no  corrupt  communication  proceed  out  of  your 
mouth. 

3.  All  unchaste  actions  are  forbidden. — Eph.  v.  3.     Forni- 
cation and  uncleanness, — let  it  not  once  be  named  among 
you. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  The  danger  from  immodest  pictures,  songs, 
books,  dress,  gestures ;  danger  from  the  theatre  and  ball- 
room, from  intemperate  eating  and  drinking ;  danger 
from  idleness,  pride,  and  vanity ;  and  from  all  influences 
unfriendly  to  a  pure  heart  and  a  pure  life.  (2.)  The  vast 
importance  of  always  obeying  the  Holy  Spirit,  who 
kindly  seeks  to  keep  me  from  this  as  well  as  from  all 
other  sins. 

What  Illustrations  are  afforded  ? 

The  NURSE  OF  INFIDELITY  is  sensuality.  Youth  are 
sensual.  The  Bible  stands  in  their  way.  It  prohibits 
the  indulgence  of  the  lust  of  the  flesh,,  the  lust,  of  the  eyet  and 


EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT.  177 

the  pride  of  life.  But  the  young  mind  loves  these  things; 
and  therefore  it  hates  the  Bible,  which  prohibits  them. 
It  is  prepared  to  say,  "  If  any  man  will  bring  me  argu- 
ments against  the  Bible,  1  will  thank  him ;  if  not,  I  will 
invent  them." — Cecil. 


THE    EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT. 

.Q.  73.  WHICH  is  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT? 

The  eighth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
steal. 

Q.  74.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  eighth  commandment  requireth  the  lawful 
procuring  and  furthering  the  wealth  and  outward 
estate  of  ourselves  and  others. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Wealth  is  to  be  procured  and  retained  only  by  lawful 
means. — Rom.  xii.  17.     Provide  things  honest  in  the  sight 
of  all  men. 

2.  We  are  to  endeavor  to  procure  wealth. — Prov.  vi.  6. 
Go  to  the  ant,  thou  sluggard;   consider  her  ways,  and  be 
wise. 

3.  We  are  to  endeavor  by  lawful  means  to  promote  and 
further  our  outward  estate. — Prov.  xxvii.   23.      Be   thou 
diligent  to  know  the  state  of  thy  flocks,  and  look  well  to 
thy  herds. 

4.  We  are  to  assist  others  in  procuring  the  good  things  of 
life. — Gal.  vi.  10.     As  we  have  therefore  opportunity,  let 
us  do  good  unto  all  men. 

5.  We  are  to  endeavor  lawfully  to  further  the  wealth  and 
outward  estate  of  our  neighbor. — Phil.  ii.  4.      Look    not 
every  man  on  his  own  things,  but  every  man  also  on  the 
things  of  others. 


178  EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  may  not  take  away,  or  retain,  the 
property  of  another  without  his  knowledge  or  against  his 
consent.  (2.)  That  I  must  respect  the  right  of  others  to 
all  that  justly  belongs  to  them,  as  I  desire  and  insist  that 
they  shall  respect  my  right  to  what  justly  belongs  to  me. 
(3.)  That  in  seeking  to  gain  property  I  must  proceed  in 
an  honest  and  fair  manner ;  and  further,  that  I  must  en- 
courage and  assist  my  fellow-men  to  acquire  property  for 
themselves  in  the  same  manner.  (4.)  That  God  is  an  im- 
partial guardian  of  the  rights  of  property,  in  all  cases 
where  those  rights  are  well  founded.  (5.)  That  even 
small  thefts  are  criminal,  since  they  are  a  transgression 
of  one  of  the  great  laws  of  God's  government.  (6.)  That 
I  am  bound  to  endeavor  to  prevent  all  loss  or  damage  to 
property — my  own  or  that  of  other  men ;  I  am  to  deal 
with  them  in  a  kind,  honest,  and  benevolent  manner,  wish- 
ing their  prosperity ;  I  am  to  restore  to  them  any  lost 
property  of  theirs  which  I  may  have  found ;  and  I  am 
to  afford  assistance  when  it  is  needed  by  the  poor,  in  the 
prosecution  of  their  lawful  business. 

What  Illustration  can  you  give  ? 

1.  KNUD  IVERSON,  a  Norwegian  lad,  ten  years  old,  re- 
siding in  Chicago,  was  commanded  by  sx>me  vicious  boys 
to  go  into  a  neighboring  garden  and  steal  some  fruit  for 
them.  But  his  pious  parents  had  taught  him  to  keep  the 
commands  of  God,  and  nobly  did  he,  in  this  case,  keep 
the  command  now  to  be  considered.  He  refused  to  go 
and  steal  the  fruit.  The  boys  threatened  to  drown  him. 
if  he  did  not  comply  with  their  wicked  command.  He 
still  refused,  and  they  put  him  into  the  water,  and  held 
him  as  long  as  they  dared,  and  then  raised  him  up  and 
repeated  their  threap  but  the  boy  preferred,  even  at 
the  risk  of  losing  his  life,  to  obey  God's  command  rather 


EIGHTH  COMMANDMENT.  179 

than  theirs.  He  was  plunged  again  and  again  into  the 
water,  and  there  held  until  life  was  extinct  What  a 
noble  example  of  Christian  firmness  and  piety  does  this 
Norwegian  lad  furnish ;  what  strength  of  love  for  the 
commands  of  God — love  stronger  than  that  of  life  itself! 
So  greatly  have  some  good  people  in  Chicago  and  else-  t 
where  admired  the  conduct  of  this  young  martyr  to  the 
right,  that  they  have  recently  (1853)  contributed  more 
than  a  thousand  dollars  for  a  marble  monument  with  an 
inscription,  declaring  the  fact  that  his  life  was  sacrificed 
to  duty ;  that  he  chose  to  be  drowned  rather  than,  by 
stealing,  to  disobey  God,  and  his  Christian  parents. 

2.  THE  ONE  JOURNEY. —  "When  I  was  a  young  man," 
says  James  /Simpson,  "  there  lived  in  our  neighborhood  a 
Presbyterian,  who  was  universally  reported  to  be  a  very 
liberal  man,   and  uncommonly  liberal   in  his  dealings. 
When  he  had  any  of  the  produce  of  his  farm  to  dispose 
of,  he  made  it  an  invariable  rule  to  give  good  measure, 
over  good,  rather  more  than  could  be  required  of  him. 
One  of  his  friends,  observing  his  frequently  doing  so, 
questioned  him  why  he  did  it,  told  him  he  gave  too  much, 
and  said  it  would  not  be  to  his  own  advantage.     Now,  my 
friends,  mark  the  answer  of  this  Presbyterian :  "  God  Al- 
mighty has  given  me  but  one  journey  through  the  world, 
and  when  gone,   I  cannot    return  to  rectify  mistakes." 
Think  of  this  friends — but  one  journey  through  the  world. 

3,  BE  PROMPT.—"  How  do  you  accomplish  so  much  in 
so  little  space  of  time?"    said    a  friend  to  Sir   Walter 
Raleigh.     "  When  I  have  anything  to  do  I  go  and  do  it," 
was  the  reply. 

Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  75.  WHAT   is  FORBIDDEN    IN    THE    EIGHTH    COMMAND- 
MENT ? 

The  eighth  commandment  forbiddeth  whatsoever 


180  EIGHTH   COMMANDMENT. 

doth,  or  may,  unjustly   hinder   our   own  or   our 
neighbor's  wealth  or  outward  estate. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Wealth  is  not  to  be  procured  or  retained  by  unlawful 
means. — 1  Tim.  vi.  10.     The  love  of  money  is  the  root  of 
all  evil :  which  while  some  coveted  after,  they  have  erred 
from  the  faith,  and  pierced  themselves  through  with  many 
sorrows. 

2.  We  are  not  to  neglect  lawful  means  for  procuring  wealth 
for  ourselves   and  families. — 1  Tim.  v.  8.      If  any  pro- 
vide not  for  his  own,  and  specially  for  those  of  his  own 
house,  he  hath  denied  the  faith,  and  is  worse  than  an 
infidel. 

3.  We  are  not  to  do  that  which  may  hinder  the  increase  of 
our  wealth   and    outward    estate. — Prov.    xxiii.    21.      The 
drunkard  and  the  glutton  shall  come  to  poverty ;  and 
drowsiness  shall  clothe  a  man  with  rags. 

4.  We  are  not  to  neglect  the  relief  of  our  neighbor,  or  the 
furtherance  of  his  wealth  when  it  is  in  our  power. — Deut. 
xv.  8.     Thou  shalt  open  thy  hand  wide  unto  him,  and 
shalt  surely  lend  him  sufficient  for  his  need,  in  that  which 
he  wanteth. 

5.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  which  may  hinder  the  further- 
ance of  our  neighbor's  wealth. — Zech.  viii.   17.      Let  none 
of  you  imagine  evil  in  your  hearts  against  his  neighbor. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  I  must  avoid  every  act  which  may 
wrongfully  prevent  the  increase  of  my  own  worldly  sub- 
stance, or  that  of  my  fellow-men.  And,  hence  (2.)  That 
I  must  avoid  idleness,  carelessness,  wastefulness,  impru- 
dence in  lending  money,  or  giving  it  to  undeserving  ob- 
jects. (3.)  That  I  must  abstain  from  a  niggardly  econo- 
my, and  also  from  all  unlawful  methods  of  making  money, 
such  as  gambling,  fraud,  forgery,  taking  advantage  of  a 
man's  ignorance  or  necessity  in  buying  or  selling, 
adulterating  goods,  refusing  to  pay  debts  at  the  time  and 
way  agreed  upon,  breach  of  trust,  contracting  debts  when 


NINTH    COMMANDMENT.  181 

uncertain  as  to  ability  to  pay,  and  especially  with  a  de- 
sign not  to  pay.  (4.)  I  may  not  oppress,  or  even  neglect, 
the  poor,  nor  refuse  to  contribute  to  the  support  of  the 
gospel  at  home  and  abroad,  in  a  manner  answerable  to 
my  means. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  THE  BEGGAR  AND  DR.  SMOLLET. — A  beggar,  asking  Dr. 
Smollet  for  alms,  he  gave  him,  through  mistake,  a  guinea. 
The  poor  fellow  perceiving  it,  hobbled  after  him  to  re- 
turn it ;  whereupon  Smollet  returned  it  to  him,  with  an- 
other guinea,  as  a  reward  of  his  honesty,  exclaiming,  at 
the  same  time :  "  What  a  lodging  has  honesty  taken  up 
with!" 

2.  THK  FOUNDATION  PRINCIPLE  OF  THIS  COMMANDMENT. — 
It  is  founded  on  that  never-failing  rule  for  the  direction 
of  our  practice  (Mat.  vii.  12),  that  what  I  judge  due  to  my- 
self, were  I  in  another  man's  condition,  in  certainly  as  due  to 
him  in  his  own.     This  is  a  rule  applicable  to  all  affairs. 
Therefore,  whatsoever  thou    hast  to    transact  with  thy 
neighbor,  though  thou  mayest  spy  advantages  upon  him, 
and  such  as,  if  thou  shouldst  take,  possibly  he  might 
never  know  or  never  be  able  to  redress ;  yet  then,  take 
thy  conscience  aside,   and    seriously  ask  whether  thou 
couldst  be  content,  and  think  it  honest  and  just  to  be  so 
dealt  with  thyself;  if  not,  whatsoever  the  temptation  be, 
or  how  much  soever  thou  mightest  gain  by  hearkening 
unto  it,  reject  it  with  scorn,  as  that  which  could  induce 
thee  to  violate  the  first    principle  of    common  honesty 
among  men,  and  contradicts  all  the  laws  both  of  nature 
and  Scripture. — Bp.  Ezekiel  Hopkins. 

THE    NINTH  COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  76.  WHICH  is  THE  NINTH  COMMANDMENT? 
The  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not  bear1 
false  witness  against  thy  neighbor. 
16 


182  NINTH    COMMANDMENT. 

Duties  Required. 

Q.  77  WHAI  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  NINTH  COMMAND- 
MENT? 

The  ninth  commandment  requireth  the  maintain- 
ing and  promoting  of  truth  between  man  and  man, 
and  of  our  own  and  our  neighbor's  good  name, 
especially  in  witness  bearing. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

I'  We  should  at  all  times  use  our  speech  with  caution. — 
Prov.  xvii.  27.  He  that  hath  knowledge  spareth  his 
words. 

2.  We  must  at  all  times  speak  and  maintain  the  truth. — 
Zech.  viii.  16.  Speak  ye  every  man  the  truth  to  his 
neighbor. 

8.  We  must  endeavor  to  promote  the  truth. — Phil.  iv.  8. 
Whatsoever  things  are  true think  on  these  things. 

4.  We  must  endeavor  to  preserve  our  own  good  name. — 
Mat.  v.  16.     Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they 
may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which 
is  in  heaven. 

5.  We    must    endeavor  to  preserve  our  neighbor's  good 
name. — Tit.  iii.  2.     Speak  evil  of  no  man. 

6.  We  must  be  specially  careful  to  speak  truth  in  witness- 
bearing. — Prov.  xiv.  5.     A  faithful  witness  will  not  lie ; 
but  a  false  witness  will  utter  lies. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  while  falsehood  is  a  crime,  it  is  especi- 
ally so  when  designed  to  operate  to  the  disadvantage  of 
my  fellow-men.  (2.)  To  put  a  high  value  upon  my  own 
reputation  and  that  of  my  fellow-men,  especially  when 
called  under  oath  to  answer  to  questions  put  to  me  in  a 
court  of  justice  or  elsewhere.  (3.)  The  duty  of  so  act- 
ing as  to  be  worthy  of  respect,  and  of  a  good  name.  (4.) 


NINTH   COMMANDMENT.  183 

That  I  should  be  candid  and  just  in  my  opinions  and 
conversation  concerning  others;  that  I  should  forbear 
harsh,  censorious,  and  rash  observations ;  that  I  should 
never  speak  evil  of  the  absent,  unless  called  so  to  do  by 
obvious  duty  to  others ;  that  I  should  defend  their  cha- 
racter and  doings  when  unjustly  attacked,  and  discourage 
tale  bearing. 

What  Illustrations  are  in  point  ? 

1.  FENCES  FOR  THE  TONGUE. — God  hath  set  two  fences  to 
keep  in  the  tongue — the  teeth  and  the  lips ;  and  this 
commandment  is  a  third  fence  set  about  it,  that  it  should 
not  break  forth  into  evil. —  Watson. 

2.  SLANDERING  is  to  report  things  of  others  unjustly. 
Holiness  itself  is  no  shield  from  slander.     You  may  smite 
another,  and  never  touch  him.     The  wounds  of  the  tongue 
no  physician  can  heal,  and  to  pretend  friendship  to  a 
man,  and  yet  slander  him,  is  most  odious. —  Watson. 

3.  PYTHAGORAS  being  asked  what  made  men  like  God, 
answered,  "  When  they  speak  the  truth." — Ib. 

4.  It  was  a  law  of  the  Scythians  that  the  man  who  told 
a  lie  in  connection  with  an  oath,  should  lose  his  head, 
because  such  an  offence  was  adapted  to  take  away  all 
truth  and  mutual  confidence  from  among  men. 

6.  The  CHURCH  OF  ROME  violates  this  commandment,  by 
allowing  a  lie  or  a  false  oath,  if  it  be  designed  to  pro- 
mote the  Catholic  cause.  But  God's  cause  has  no  need 
of  lies  for  its  support  or  advancement ;  and  it  is  an  in- 
sult to  the  God  of  Truth  to  pretend  to  promote  it  by  false- 
hood. 

6.  A  MAN  MAY  BE  KILLED  IN  NAME  as  well  as  in  person. 
Some  are  loath  to  take  away  their  neighbor's  goods ;  con- 
science would  fly  in  their  face ;  but  better  take  away  their 
grain  out  of  their  field,  their  wares  out  of  their  shop, 
than  take  away  their  good  name.  This  is  a  sin  for  which 


184  NINTH    COMMANDMENT. 

reparation  can  never  be  made — a  blot  in  a  man's  name 
being  like  a  blot  on  white  paper,  which  will  never  be  got 
out. —  Watson. 

7.  PHILIP   HENRY  says:    "We    should  be  troubled  ap 
much  at  unjust  praises  as  at  unjust  slanders." 

8.  The  Rev.  SAMUEL  PIERCE,  of  Birmingham,  was  a  man 
of  an  excellent  spirit.     It  was  a  rule  with  him  to  dis- 
courage all  evil  speaking ;  nor  would  he  approve  of  just 
censure  unless  some  good  end  was  to  be  answered  by  it. 
Two  of  his  friends  being  on  a  visit  at  his  house,  one  of 
them,  during  the  absence  of  the  other,  suggested  some- 
thing to  his  disadvantage.     He  put  a  stop  to  the  conver- 
sation, by  answering,  "  He  is  here ;  take  him  aside,  and 
tell  him  of  it  by  himself;  you  may  do  him  good." 

9.  BE  TRUE. — How  striking  these  words  of  old  George 
Herbert,  sung  two  centuries  ago : 

Lie  not,  but  let  thy  heart  be  true  to  God  ; 
Thy  mouth  to  it,  thy  actions  to  them  both. 

DARE  TO  BE  TRUE.    Nothing  can  need  a  lie  i 
A  fault  which  needs  it  mosl,  grows  two  thereby. 

10.  ASIATIC  PROVERBS. — He   who  relates  the  faults  of 
others  to  you,  designs  to  relate  yours  to  others.     If  you 
be  reproved  for  your  faults,  do  not  be  angry  with  him 
who  does  it ;  but  turn  your  anger  against  the  things  for 
which  he  has  reproved  you. 

Sins  Forbidden. 

Q.  78.  WHAT  is  FORBIDDEN  IN  THE  NINTH  COMMAND- 
MENT? 

The  ninth  commandment  forbiddeth  whatsoever 
is  prejudicial  to  truth,  or  injurious  to  our  own  or 
our  neighbor's  good  name. 


NINTH    COMMANDMENT.  185 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  never  to  be  inattentive  or  careless  as  to  what  wt 
speak. — Prov.  xxix.  11.     A  fool  uttereth  all  his  mind:  but 
a  wise  man  keepeth  it  in  till  afterwards. 

2.  We  are  to  do  nothing  which  is  prejudicial  to  truth. — 
E^h.  iv.  25.     Putting  away  lying,  speak  every  man  truth 
with  his  neighbor. 

3.  We  are  not  to  do  anything  which  is  injurious  to  our  own 
good  name. — Job,  xxvii.  6.     My  righteousness  I  hold  fast, 
and  will  not  let  it  go :  my  heart  shall  not  reproach  me  so 
long  as  I  live. 

4.  We  arc  not  to  do  anything  which  will  be  injurious  to 
our  neighbor's  good  name. — Exod.  xxiii.  1.      Thou  shalt  not 
raise  a  false  report ;  put  not  thine  hand  with  the  wicked 
to  be  an  unrighteous  witness. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  1 

I  learn  (1.)  To  avoid  the  utterance  of  what  I  know  to 
be  false,  with  the  intention  to  deceive  another ;  all  lies 
for  sport,  for  profit,  for  concealing  some  wrong  action,  for 
preventing  danger,  for  mischief,  or  from  mere  habit  or 
carelessness.  (2.)  That  my  own  just  reputation  will  be 
hurt  by  my  thinking  too  highly  or  too  low  of  myself,  by 
an  unnecessary  exposure  of  my  faults,  by  associating  with 
low  or  vicious  or  unprofitable  companions,  or  by  attempt- 
ing to  fill  a  station  for  which  I  am  not  fitted.  (3.)  That 
the  reputation  of  others  will  be  hurt,  when  I  judge  them 
from  a  wrong  standard,  or  point  of  view  ;  when  I  decide 
unfavorably,  without  full  evidence,  on  their  motives; 
when  I  put  a  wrong  construction  upon  their  words  or 
deeds ;  when  I  raise,  spread,  or  receive  false  reports,  to 
their  disadvantage  ;  when  by  encouragement  or  example, 
I  draw  them  into  what  is  sinful,  to  the  injury  of  their 
character  and  standing  in  society.  (4.)  To  forbear  to  use 
or  to  receive  flattery,  or  undue  praise,  as  unjust  both  to* 
myself  and  others ;  also,  as  being  false,  adapted  to  deceive,. 
16* 


186  NINTH    COMMANDMENT. 

and  sometimes  to  ruin,  both  soul  and  body.  (5.)  The 
force  of  the  Apostle  James'  language  concerning  the 
tongue — Ep.y  chap.  iii.  2-10. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  DIOGENES  used  to  say :  "  Of  all  wild  beasts,  a  slanderer 
is  the  worst." 

2.  THE  TONGUE. — A  certain  man  sent  a  servant  to  market 
to  bring  him  the  best  article  which  he  could  find  there, 
and  the  servant  returned  with  a  tongue;  being  sent  a 
second  time,  for  the  worst  article  in  the  market,  he  again 
brought  back  a  tongue.     "  I  hear,"  says  William  Kelly, 
"many  complain  of  their  having  bad  teeth;  but  I  have 
never  heard  any  one  complain  of  his  having  a  bad  tongue. 
I  don't  read,  however,  in  Scripture,  of  any  threatenings 
against  bad  teeth;   but  I  find  dreadful  judgments   de- 
nounced against  a  bad  tongue." 

3.  BISHOP  BEVERIDGE  says :  "  I  resolve  never  to  speak 
of  a  man's  virtues  to  his  face,  nor  of  his  vices  behind  his 
back." 

4.  AN  ODD  YOUNG    LADY. — At  the  house  of   Rev.    B. 
Jacobs,  of  Cambridgeport,  some  young  ladies  were  one 
day  talking  about  one  of  their  female  friends.     As  he 
entered  the  room,  he  heard  the  epithets,   "odd,"  "singu- 
lar," &c.,  applied.     He  asked,  and  was  told  the  name  of 
<the  young  lady  in  question,  and  then  said,  very  gravely, 

"  Yes,  she  is  an  odd  young  lady  ;  she  is  a  very  odd  young 
lady ;  I  consider  her  extremely  singular.1'  He  then  added, 
very  impressively,  "  She  was  never  heard  to  speak  ill  of 
any  absent  friends."  The  rebuke  was  not  forgotten  by 
'those  who  heard  it. 

5.  PETER  THE  GREAT,  of  Russia,  had  many  good  traits 
( of  character ;  among  others,  the  following:    "When  any 


TENTH    COMMANDMENT.  187 

one,  in  his  presence,  was  speaking  to  the  disadvantage  of 
an  absent  person,  he  at  first  listened  attentively,  and  then 
was  accustomed  to  ask,  "  Is  there  not  a  fair  side  also  to 
the  character  of  the  person  of  whom  you  are  speaking  ? 
Come,  tell  me  what  good  qualities  you  have  remarked 
about  him." 


THE    TENTH  COMMANDMENT. 

Q.  79.  WHICH  is  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  tenth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou  shalt  not  covet 
thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man-servant,  nor  his 
maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  anything 
that  is  thy  neighbor's. 

Duties  Required. 

Q.  80.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  IN  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT  ? 

The  tenth  commandment  require th  full  content- 
ment with  our  own  condition,  with  a  right  and 
charitable  frame  of  spirit  toward  our  neighbor,  and 
and  all  that  is  his. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  must  be  contented  with  our  condition  in  life. — Heb. 
xiii.  5.     Let  your  conversation  be  without  covetousness  ; 
and  be  content  with  such  things  as  ye  have. 

2.  We  are  to  cultivate  a  right  and  charitable  disposition 
towards  the  person  of  our  neighbor. — Rom.  xii.  15.     Rejoice 
with  them  that  do  rejoice,   and  weep  with  them  that 
weep. 


188  TENTH    COMMANDMENT. 

3.  We  are  to  cultivate  a  right  disposition  towards  the  prop* 
erty  of  our  neighbor. — Luke,  xii.  13.  Take  heed,  and  be- 
ware of  covetousness. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  my  desires  are  to  be  kept  within  just 
bounds,  and  that  it  is  wrong  for  me  not  only  to  deprive 
my  neighbor  of  anything  that  is  his,  but  even  to  desire 
or  wish  to  do  it.  (2.)  On  the  other  hand,  that  I  should 
bo  pleased  with  what  promotes  the  comfort  or  advantage 
of  my  neighbor ;  and  should  be  so  far  satisfied  with  my 
own  condition  in  life  that  I  shall  always  exercise  a  kind 
and  loving  disposition  towards  my  fellow-men,  in  respect 
to  their  retaining  and  enjoying  what  they  lawfully  pos- 
sess. (3.)  That  this  law  comprehends  and  recapitulates 
all  the  rest  concerning  my  neighbor,  and  provides  the 
most  effectual  method  for  rendering  obedience  to  them — 
the  regulation  of  my  desires.  To  covet  is  "to  have  an 
earnest  desire  for  anything  in  the  lawful  possession  of 
another,  and  which,  at  the  same  time,  he  may  desire  to 
retain."  This  command  prohibits  the  violation  (in  wish 
and  desire)  of  the  Eighth  Command,  and  also  of  the 
Seventh,  and  then  universally ;  so  that  it  may  be  viewed 
as  a  supplement  to  the  other  precepts  of  the  Second 
Table,  commanding  us  to  observe  them,  not  only  in  the 
letter,  but  in  spirit. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate? 

1.  AHAB  AND  J$TABOTH. — King  Ahab  desired  the  vineyard 
of  Naboth,  and,  because  the  latter  was  unwilling  to  dis- 
pose of  it,  Ahab  gave  his  consent  to  the  murder  of  Na- 
both,  that  he  might  gain  possession  of  the  vineyard.     The 
story  is  recorded  at  length  in  1  Kings,  xxi.  2-19. 

2.  THE  Two  MERCHANTS. — Two  merchants  of  the  same 
city,  being  neighbors  and  jealous  of  each  other,  lived  in 


TENTH  COMMANDMENT.  189 

a  scandalous  enmity.  One  of  them,  entering  into  him- 
self, submitted  to  the  voice  of  religion,  which  condemned 
his  resentments.  He  t  consulted  a  pious  person,  in  whom 
he  had  great  confidence,  and  inquired  of  him  how  he 
should  manage  to  bring  about  a  reconciliation.  "  The 
best  means,"  answered  he,  "  is  this :  Whenever  any  per- 
son shall  enter  your  store,  in  order  to  purchase,  and  you 
have  not  what  suits  them,  recommend  to  them  to  go  over 
to  your  neighbor."  He  did  so.  The  other  merchant 
being  informed  of  the  person  by  whom  these  purchasers 
came  to  him,  was  so  struck  with  the  good  offices  of  a  man 
whom  he  considered  his  enemy,  that  he  repaired  immedi- 
ately to  his  house  to  thank  him  for  it,  begged  pardon, 
with  tears  in  his  eyes,  for  the  hatred  he  had  entertained 
against  him,  and  besought  him  to  admit  him  into  the 
number  of  his  best  friends.  His  prayer  was  heard,  and 
religion  closely  united  those  whom  self-interest  and 
jealousy  had  divided. — Chris.  Treasury. 

3.  PHILIP    HENRY. — In  speaking  of    contentment,    he 
used  to  say :  "  When  the  mind  and  the  condition  meet, 
there  is  contentment.     Now,  in  order  to  that,  either  the 
condition  must  be  brought  up  to  the  mind,  and  that  is 
not  only  unreasonable,  but  impossible,  for  as  the  condi- 
tion riseth,  the  mind  riseth  with  it ;    or  else  the  mind 
must  be  brought  down  to  the  condition,  and  that  is  both 
possible  and  reasonable."    And  he  observed:  "That  no 
condition  of  life  will  of  itself  make  a  man  content,  with- 
out the  grace  of  God ;   for  we  find  Haman  discontented 
in  the  court,  Ahab  discontented  on  the  throne,  Adam  die- 
contented  in  Paradise  ;  nay,  and  higher  we  cannot  go, 
the  angels  that  fell  were  discontented  even  in  heaven  it- 
sell" 

4.  COVETOUSNESS. — Says  Watson,  "  A  man  may  be  said 
to  be  given  to  covetousness,  when  his  thoughts  are  wholly 
taken  up  about  the  world ;  when  he  takes  more  pains  for 


190  TENTH  COMMANDMENT. 

tlie  getting  of  earth  than  for  the  getting  of  heaven ;  when 
all  his  discourse  is  about  the  world ;  when  he  doth  so  set 
his  heart  upon  worldly  things  tha*  for  the  sake  of  them 
he  will  part  with  the  heavenly ;  when  he  overloads  him- 
self with  worldly  business ;  when  his  heart  is  so  set  upon 
the  world,  that  to  get  it  he  cares  not  what  unlawful  in- 
direct means  he  useth." 

5.  Men  first  break  the  Tenth  Commandment  by  covet- 
ing, and  then  they  break  the  Eighth  by  stealing.  It  was 
an  excellent  appeal  that  SAMUEL  made  to  the  Hebrew 
people :  "  Witness  against  me  before  the  Lord,  whose  ox 
have  I  taken,  or  whose  ass,  or  whom  have  I  defrauded." 
And  it  was  a  brave  speech  of  ST.  PAUL,  "  I  have  coveted 
no  man's  silver,  or  gold,  or  apparel."  Whence  was  this  ! 
It  was  from  contentment :  "  I  have  learned,  in  whatevei 
state  I  am,  therewith  to  be  content." — Watson. 

Sins  forbidden. 

Q.  81.  WHAT  is  FORBIDDEN  IN  THE  TENTH  COMMANDMENT? 

The  tenth  commandment  forbiddeth  all  discon- 
tentment with  our  own  estate,  envying  or  grieving 
at  the  good  of  our  neighbor,  and  all  inordinate 
motions  and  affections  to  anything  that  is  his. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  not  to  be  discontented  with  our  condition  in  life. 
— 1  Cor.  x.  10.     Keither  murmur  ye  as  some  of  them  also 
murmured,  and  were  destroyed  of  the  destroyer. 

2.  We  are  not  to  be  envious  at  the  good  of  others. — Gal. 
v.  26.     Let  us  not  be  desirous  of  vain  glory, — envying 
one  another. 

3.  We  are  not  to  grieve  at  the  good  of  others. — James,  v. 
9.     Grudge  not  one  against  another. 

4.  We  are  not  improperly  to  desire  the  possession  of  our 


TENTH    COMMANDMENT.  191 

neighbor's  property. — Deut.  v.  21.     Neither  shalt  thou  de- 
sire  anything  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 

5.  We  are  not  to  form  any  purpose  in  our  mind,  for  un- 
lawfully obtaining  possession  of  our  neighbor's  property. — 
Psal.  1.  18.  When  them  sawest  a  thief,  then  thou  consent- 
edst  with  him. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  must  suppress  or  avoid  all  such  un- 
easiness or  fretfulness  respecting  my  own  circumstances 
as  would  lead  me  to  hate  others,  or  to  be  unhappy,  in 
view  of  anything  which  they  possess,  and  which  I  may 
be  in  want  of.  (2.)  The  sin  of  Envy — a  sin  destructive 
to  peace  of  mind  and  amiableness  of  temper,  and  liable 
to  be  greatly  injurious  to  those  also  concerning  whom  I 
shall  indulge  it.  (3.)  That  while  I  am  not  allowed  to  be 
discontented  with  my  condition,  I  am  not  therefore  obli- 
gated not  to  seek  to  improve  my  condition— my  habits — 
my  character — my  property — and  various  means  of  happi- 
ness. (4.)  I  am  taught  to  love  others  as  I  love  myself, 
and  to  promote  their  good  estate  as  well  as  my  own. 

What  Illustrations  are  at  hand  ? 

1.  How  TO  AVOID  DISCONTENT. — WATSON  advises  us  (1.) 
To  believe  that  condition  best  which  God  carves  out  to 
us  by  his  providence.     (2.)   To  consider  that  the    less 
estate  we  have,  the  less  account  we  shall  have  to  give  at 
the  last  day ;  the  less  riches,  the  less  reckoning. 

2.  EXPLANATION. — We  may   desire  the    house  of   oar 
neighbor,  but  not  if  his  yielding  it  to  us  is  to  be  injuri- 
ous either  to  his  worldly  prosperity  or  to  his  feelings. 
But  among  the  Israelites  it  was  otherwise,  and  the  law 
most  minutely  provides  for  the  preservation,  in  its  entire- 
ness,  of  the  property  of   each  family  and    branch  of  a 
family  (Lev.  xxv.  23-31).     We  may  desire  to  have  the 
servant  of  our  neighbor,  if  the  welfare  of  that  servant  ia 


192  TENTH  COMMANDMENT. 

to  be  promoted  by  the  change  of  situation;  but  the 
ancient  people  of  God  had,  according  to  the  law,  and  for 
the  space  of  time  it  prescribed,  a  right  of  property  in  the 
labor  of  those  who  were  with  them  in  servitude.  Hence, 
in  the  Tenth  Commandment,  they  occupy  a  middle  place 
between  a  man's  family  and  his  chattels ;  and  to  allure 
them  from  him  was,  in  one  sense,  like  depriving  him  of 
his  wife  or  children ;  and,  in  another  sense,  like  taking 
from  him  without  his  consent,  or  without  just  remuner- 
ation, his  house  or  his  field,  his  ox  or  his  ass.  "Whatever 
our  neighbor  has,  that  he  has  a  right  to  dispose  of,  we 
may  desire,  but  not  selfishly,  and  without  a  regard  to  his 
feelings  and  interests,  nor  so  vehemently,  but  that  we 
may  be  fully  content  without  it. — Maresi  Sup.  Don.,  p.  62. 

3.  THE  Two  HEAPS. — "I  see,  in  this  world,"  said  the 
Rev.  JOHN  NJEWTON,   "  two  heaps — one  of  human  happi- 
ness, and  one  of  misery.     Now,  if  I  can  take  but  the 
smallest  bit  from  the  second  heap,  and  add  to  the  first, 
I  carry  a  point.     If,  as  I  go  home,  a  child  has  dropped  a 
halfpenny,  and  if  by  giving  it  another,  I  can  wipe  away 
its  tears,  I  feel  that  I  have  done  something.     I  should  be 
glad,  indeed,  to  do  great  things,  but  I  will  not  neglect 
such  little  ones  as  these." 

4.  Do   AS   YOU   WOULD  BE   DONE  BY. — What    a    great 
change  the  complete  observance  of  this  ''Golden  Rule," 
even  for  one  single  day,  would  produce  among  us !     The 
effect  of  it  would  utterly  astonish  you !     Strange  sights 
would  meet  you  on  every  side.     You  would  see  a  great 
deal  of  property  at  once  change  hands,  old  debts  would 
be  paid  off,  whether  outlawed  or  not  outlawed,  whether 
the  papers  were  burned  up,  or  not  burned  up.      You 
would  see    lands   and  houses    belonging  to  Mr.   Gripe 
quickly  and  quietly  pass  over  to  Mr.  Type ;   you  would 
see  "  any  quantity  "  of  borrowed  books,  umbrellas,  and 
the  like,  returned  to  their  legitimate  and  patient  owners. 


SPECIAL   DUTIES.  193 

You  would  see  rum-selling  and  rum-buying,  as  the  law- 
yers have  it,  "  done  away"  at  once.  Gambling,  and  bet- 
ting, and  swearing,  and  cheating,  and  "  shaving,"  and 
"puffing,"  would  entirely  cease.  There  would  be  no 
lies  told.  Not  one.  There  would  be  no  lampoons 
written.  Not  one  syllable  of  slander,  or  of  obloquy,  or 
of  abuse,  or  of  ridicule,  would  be  spoken ;  not  an  un- 
kind look  be  given,  not  an  unkind  feeling  entertained. 
All  fretfulness  and  strife  in  families  would  cease  ;  brothers 
and  sisters  would  for  one  day  live  in  harmony  ;  husbands' 
and  wives  would  forget  their  differences;  the  young 
would  be  kind  to  the  old  folks  at  home ;  the  old  would 
instruct  with  mild  suavity  the  young.  Friends  long 
separated  by  misunderstanding  would  come  together 
again ;  neighbors  would  greet  each  other  kindly.  Let 
this  "  Golden  Rule  "  prevail,  and  the  main  current  of  con- 
versation and  behavior  would  be  changed. — Boston  Travel- 
ler. 


CHAPTER    II. 

SPECIAL     DUTIES     WHICH     GOD    REQUIRES     OF     MAN 
UNDER    THE    GOSPEL    DISPENSATION. 

INTRODUCTION. — SHOWING  MAN'S  INABILITY  TO  KEEP  THK  MORAL 
LAW— THAT  THERE  ARE  VARIOUS  DECREES  OF  GUILT  IN  BREAK- 
ING IT — AND  THE  DESERT  OF  EVERY  TRANSGRESSION. 

Q.  82.    Is   ANY   MAN     ABLE     PERFECTLY    TO     KEEP    THE   COM- 
MANDMENTS  OF  GOD  ? 

No  mere  man  since  the  fall  is  able,  in  this  life, 
perfectly  to  keep  the  commandments  of  God,  but 
doth  daily  break  them  in  thought,  word,  and  deed. 
17 


194  SPECIAL   DUTIES. 


What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Answer  ? 

1.  No  mere  man  since  the  fall  is  able  to  keep  the  com- 
mandments of  God  perfectly. — Eccl.  vii.  20.     There  is  not 
a  just  man  upon  earth,  that  doeth  good  and  sinneth  not. 

2.  Adam,  before  the  fall,  was  able  to  keep  God's  law  per- 
fectly.— Eccl.  vii.  29.     God  hath  made  man  upright. 

3.  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  not  being  a  mere  man,  did  in  this 
life  perfectly  keep  the  commandments  of  God. — Isa.  xlii.  21. 
The  Lord  is  well  pleased  for  his  righteousness'  sake ;  he 
will  magnify  the  law,  and  make  it  honorable. 

4.  All  men,  in  this  life,  break  the  commandments  of  God 
daily. — Gen.  vi.  5.     Every  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of 
his  heart  was  only  evil  continually. 

5.  The  saints,  removed  from  this  life  to  heaven,  perfectly 
keep  the  commandments  of  God. — Isa.  Ivii.   2.      Each  one 
walking  in  his  uprightness. 

G.  We  all  daily  break  the  commandments  of  God  in  our 
thoughts. — Gen.  viii.  21.  The  imagination  of  man's  heart 
is  evil  from  his  youth. 

7.  We  all  daily  break  the  commandments  of  God  in  our 
words  and  conversation. — James,  iii.  8.     The  tongue  can  no 
man  tame ;  it  is  an  unruly  evil,  full  of  deadly  poison. 

8.  We  all  daily  break  the  commandments  of  God  in  our 
actions. — Rom.  vii.  19.     The  good  that  I  would,  I  do  not ; 
but  the  evil  which  I  would  not,  that  I  do. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  Jesus  Christ  was  altogether  distin- 
guished from  other  men,  inasmuch  as  he  embodied,  or 
showed  forth,  the  law  of  God  in  its  perfect  excellence  and 
widest  range  of  precepts.  (2.)  That  it  is  my  duty  to 
strive  to  imitate  him,  and,  on  the  other  hand,  to  avoid 
the  imitation  of  the  conduct  and  spirit  of  men  generally. 
(3.)  That  I  have  cause  for  daily  humiliation  and  sorrow 
over  the  corrupt  tendencies  of  my  mind  and  heart,  and 
over  my  manifold  acts  of  wrong-doing.  (4.)  That  my 
hope  of  reform  and  of  perfect  obedience,  must  be  in  God's 
grace  manifested  through  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  (5.) 


SPFCIAL    DUTIES.  195 

Though  I  have  no  reason,  from  Scripture,  or  observation, 
or  past  experience,  to  hope  to  attain  a  complete  and 
habitual  conformity  to  the  law  of  God  in  this  life,  yet 
not  being  therefore  excused  from  obeying  it,  I  am  bound 
to  make  most  vigorous  and  prayerful  efforts  to  observe  it 
in  all  respects  and  in  its  whole  extent ;  for  my  inability 
has  proceeded  from  a  wrong  and  blameworthy  state  of 
feeling  towards  God  and  my  fellow-men.  (6.)  To  antici- 
pate with  pleasure  that  life  to  come,  in  which  I  shall, 
through  God's  grace,  perfectly  keep  and  honor  the  ad- 
mirable law  of  my  Creator  and  Redeemer.  (7.)  To  limit 
the  meaning  of  certain  texts  of  Scripture  which  seem  to 
support  the  doctrine  that  Christians  may,  and  do  attain, 
complete,  absolute  perfection  of  character  and  conduct  in 
this  life.  "  In  some  of  those  texts,"  as  Dr.  Woods  re- 
marks, "  the  language  used  is  intended  to  set  forth  the 
sincerity  or  uprightness  of  believers,  in  distinction  from 
hypocrites,  and  also  their  freedom  from  any  such  offences 
as  would  expose  their  public  character  to  discredit,  or 
their  piety  to  suspicion.  Job  was  perfect  and  upright — 
words  doubtless  of  the  same  general  import,  denoting 
real  integrity  or  goodness.  (8.)  In  several  instances  the 
Psalmist  uses  the  strong  language  of  self-justification,  and 
seems  at  first  view  to  say  he  is  not  chargeable  with  any 
sin,  when  his  meaning  evidently  is,  that  he  is  innocent  of 
the  crimes  which  his  enemies  laid  to  his  charge.  (9.)  In 
some  cases,  pious  men,  under  the  former  dispensation,  are 
said  to  have  followed  the  Lord  wholly,  when  the  obvious 
meaning  i's,  that  they  kept  themselves  from  idolatry,  and 
adhered  uniformly  to  the  worship  of  the  true  God.  (10.) 
When  the  New  Testament  writers  speak  of  perfection,  they 
often  refer  to  a  state  of  maturity  or  manhood  in  knowledge 
or  in  holiness,  in  distinction  from  a  state  of  childhood— o,  state 
of  advancement  in  piety,  in  distinction  from  the  common 
state  of  new  converts ;  and  sometimes  they  refer  to  the 


196  SPECIAL   DUTIES. 

purity  and  blessedness  of  heaven,  which  is  the  high  ob- 
ject to  which  all  Christians  aspire.  But  in  no  case  do 
the  circumstances  require  that  the  language  employed 
should  be  understood  to  denote  complete  sanctification  as 
actually  attained  in  the  present  life. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  produce  ? 

1.  THE  CHILD'S  WISH. — A  group  of  children  were  talk- 
ing together,  when  the  question  was  proposed,  "  What  is 
the  thing  you  wish  for  most  ?"    Several  of  the  children 
said  they  would  like  to  have  nice  or  pretty  things.     But 
when  it  came  to  the  turn  of  a  little  boy,  ten  years  old,  to 
speak,  he  said,  "I  wish  to  live  without  sinning."    These 
were  not  idle  words,  not  mere  profession ;  for  the  child 
showed  by  his  conduct  that  he  hated  sin.     How  many  of 
the  dear  children  wish  to  live  without  sinning  ?     How 
many  try  to  live  without  sinning  ? — Am.  Messenger. 

2.  MRS.  HAWKES,  a  pious  English  woman,  in  one  of  her 
letters,  thus  writes :  "  You  want  to  know  how  I  have 
been  conquering  self.     Alas !    I  have  been  only  fighting 
against  self,  but  I  am  still  very  far  from  being  a  conqueror ; 
and  I  am  thankful  to   say,  as  you  do,  Jesus  shows  me  my 
strength  is  in  him]  and  my  desire  is,  to  be  as  a  little  child. 
When  I  want  to  act,  I  go  to  him  for  wisdom  and  strength. 
If  I  feel  anger,  I  run  to  him,  and  show  it  to  him.     When 
I  feel  pride  rising  upon  any  occasion,  I  go  to  him  and 
confess  it.     To  him  I  take  every  sin  as  it  arises,  every 
want,  every  desponding  thought.     To  him  I  go  for  every 
good  thought,  every  good  desire,  every  good  word  and 
work,  crying, — Lord,  help  me  in  this — Lord,  help  me  in 
the  other.     It  is  thy  grace  alone  that  can  produce  anything 
good  in  me.     What  else  is  meant  by  Christ's  living  in  me, 
and  I  in  him  ?     It  is  by  this  simple  faith  that  we  must 
bring  forth  good  fruits ;  and,  to  obtain  it,  we  must  plead 


DIFFERENT    DEGREES    OF    GUILT.  197 

the  promises.  How  are  we  to  be  transformed  in  the 
the  spirit  of  our  minds,  and  to  be  changed  into  his  image, 
from  glory  to  glory  ?  Not  by  looking  within,  but  by 
looking  t-o  Jesus." 

Different  Degrees  of  Guilt  in  Breaking  the  Law. 

Q.  83.  ARE  ALL  TRANSGRESSIONS  OF  THE  LAW  EQUALLY 
HEINOUS  ? 

Some  sins,  in  themselves,  and  by  reason  of 
several  aggravations,  are  more  heinous  in  the  sight 
of  God  than  others. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Some  sins  are  in  themselves  more  heinous  in  the  sight 
of  God  than  others. — 1  John,   v.   1C.     There  is  a  sin  unto 
death :  I  do  not  say  that  ye  shall  pray  for  it. 

2.  Aggravations  make  sins  more  heinous  in  the  sight  of 
God. — Mat.  xxiii.  14.     Wo  unto  you,  Scribes  and  Phari- 
sees, hypocrites !  for  ye  devour  widows'  houses,  and  for 
a  pretence  make  long  prayer ;  therefore  ye  shall  receive 
the  greater  damnation. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  Not  only  to  regard  some  acts  of  transgress- 
ion as  more  offensive  to  God  than  others,  but  to  examine 
the  circumstances  that  attend  them,  as  rendering  them 
more  or  less  criminal.  (2.)  The  value  of  those  distinc- 
tions concerning  this  matter,  which  are  presented  in  the 
Assembly's  Larger  Catechism,  and  the  importance  of  fre- 
quently meditating  upon  them,  so  as  to  gain  a  holy  dread 
of  sin,  and  to  guard  myself  especially  against  its  more 
flagrant  forms.  Those  distinctions  are  thus  stated : 

"  Sins  Receive  their  Aggravations, 

1.  "From  the  persons  offending : — If  they  be  of  riper 
17* 


198  DIFFERENT    DEGREES    OF    GUILT 

age,  greater  experience,  or  grace ;  eminent  for  profession, 
gifts,  place,  office,  guides  to  others,  and  whose  example  is 
likely  to  be  followed  by  others. 

2.  "  From  the  parties  offended : — If  immediately  against 
God,  his  attributes  and  worship ;  against  Christ,  and  his 
grace ;  the  Holy  Spirit,  his  witness  and  workings ;  against 
superiors,  men  of  eminence,  and  such  as  we  stand  especi- 
ally related  and  engaged  unto  ;  against  any  of  the  saints, 
particularly  weak  brethren,  the  sou^s  of  them,   or  any 
other ;  and  the  common  good  of  all  or  of  many. 

3.  "  From  the  nature  and  quality  of  the  offence  : — If  it  be 
against  the  express  letter  of  the  law,  if  it  break  many 
commandments,  contain  in  it  many  sins  :  If  not  only  con- 
ceived in  the  heart,  but  breaks  forth  in  words  and  actions, 
if  it  scandalize  others,  and  admit  of  no  reparation :     If 
against  means,  mercies,  judgments,  light  of  nature,  con- 
viction of  conscience,  public  or  private  admonition,  cen- 
sures of  the  church,  civil  punishments ;  and  against  our 
prayers,  purposes,  promises,  vows,  covenants  and  engage- 
ments to  God  or  men:    If  done    deliberately,  wilfully, 
presumptuously,    imprudently,    boastingly,    maliciously, 
frequently,  obstinately,  with  delight,  continuance,  or  re- 
lapsing after  repentance. 

4.  "  From  circumstances  of  time  and  place  : — If  on  the 
Lord's  day,  or  other  times  of  divine  worship  ;  or  immedi- 
ately before  or  after  these,  or  other  helps  to  prevent  or 
remedy  such  miscarriages :  If  in  public,  or  in  the  pres- 
ence of  others,  who  are  thereby  likely  to  be  provoked 
or  defiled." 

I  learn  (3.)  That  while  some  sins  are  greater  than 
others,  none  are  to  be  regarded  as  little  sins — as  un- 
worthy of  anxious  care — as  matters  of  indifference,  for  it 
cannot  be  a  trifle  to  violate  the  law  of  so  great  a  God  as 
Jehovah. 


DESERT    OF    EVERY   VIOLATION    OF    THE    LAW.     199 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  LITTLE  SINS. — Respecting  the  danger  of  what  some 
improperly  call  little  sins,  it  has  been  said,    "  A  small 
pen-knife  will  take  away  life,  as  well  as  a  large  sword." 

2.  Says  Pliny  Fisk  :  "  Once  I  was  blind  to  the  evil  of 
sin  in  general;    and  in  particular  to  the  number  and 
aggravation  of  my  own  transgressions.     Except  for  some 
overt  transgression,  I  felt  but  little  consciousness  of  guilt. 
But  I  have  since  realized  that  sin  is  an  evil  and  bitter 
thing,  and  that  my  own  sins  are  exceedingly  numerous 
and  aggravated.     Many  things  which  once  appeared  law- 
ful, and  even  laudable,   appear  now  exceedingly  sinful 
and  odious,  and  never  more  so,  I  think,  than  when  all 
thought  of  punishment  is  out  of  mind.     "When  I  think  of 
my  sins  as  violations  of  God's  reasonable  and  holy  law, 
they  appear  inexcusable,  and  criminal,  beyond  descrip- 
tion.    "When  I  consider  them  as  committed  against  God, 
they  look  like  a  compound  of  the  most  presumptuous  re- 
bellion, the  most  wanton  ingratitude,   the  most  wicked 
irreverence.     When  I  dwell  on  their  tendency,  as  it  re- 
spects my  fellow-sinners,  they  seem  to  be  unmixed  mal- 
evolence." 

3.  PITHY  SATING. — He  that  makes  light  of  small  sins, 
is  in  the  ready  way  to  fall  into  great  ones. 

Desert  of  every  Violation  of  the  Law. 

Q.  84.  WHAT  DOTH  EVERY  SIN  DESERVE? 

Every  sin  deserveth  God's  wrath  and  curse,  both 
in  this  life,  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 
1.  Every  sin  deserves  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  in  this 


200    DESERT    OF    EVERY    VIOLATION    OF    THE    LAW. 

life. — Gal.  iii.  10.  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth 
not  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law 
to  do  them. 

2.  Every  sin  deserves  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  for  ever 
in  the  world  to  come. — Rom.  vi.  23.  The  wages  of  sin  is 
death :  but  the  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 


What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  it  involves  no  small  danger  to  trans- 
gress, even  once,  the  law  of  God ;  how  much  greater 
danger,  then,  to  be  guilty  of  numberless  transgressions  ? 
(2.)  That  the  sufferings  of  this  life  form  but  a  small  and 
inconsiderable  part  of  what  I  deserve  on  account  of  my 
sins.  (3.)  It  is  wise  to  seek  immediate  deliverance  from 
exposure  to  the  infinitely  greater — the  everlasting  suffer- 
ings of  the  life  to  come.  (4.)  If  God  should  treat  me  ac- 
cording to  simple  justice  I  could  not  be  happy,  but  must 
be  utterly  miserable,  in  time  and  in  eternity.  (5.)  What- 
ever be  my  afflictions  in  the  present  life,  I  have  no  just 
reason  to  complain,  for  they  are  altogether  trifling  when 
compared  with  what  it  would  be  just  for  God  to  send 
upon  me. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  WAGES  OF  SIN. — The  wages  that  sin  bargains  with 
the  sinner  to  give,  are  life,  pleasure,  and  profit ;  but  the 
wages  it  pays  him  with  are  death,  torment,  and  destruc- 
tion.    He  that  would  understand  the  falsehood  and  de- 
ceit of  sin  must  compare  its  promises  and  its  payment  to- 
gether.— South. 

2.  THE  MALIGNITY  OF  SIN. — The  heinousness  of  any  sin 
is  not  to  be  judged  of  by  the  magnitude  of  the  object 
about  which  it  is  conversant,  or  tho  grossness  of  the  out- 
ward action.     When  the  Lord  expressly  says,  "  Thou  shalt 


SPECIAL    DUTIES    REQUIRED    OF    MAN.  201 

not"  and  his  rational  creature  says,  " I  WILL,"  whether 
the  contest  be  about  "  an  apple,"  or  a  kingdom,  it  is  stub- 
bornness and  rebellion. — Scott. 


Special  Duties  Required  of  Man  under  the  Gospel 
Dispensation. 

Q.  85.    WHAT  DOTH  GOD   REQUIRE   OF  us,  THAT  WE  MAY 

ESCAPE   HIS   WRATH   AND    CURSE    DUE   TO   US    FOR   SIN? 

To  escape  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  due  to  us 
for  sin,  God  requireth  of  us  faith  in  Jesus  Christ, 
repentance  unto  life,  with  the  diligent  use  of  all  the 
outward  means  whereby  Christ  communicateth  to 
us  the  benefits  of  redemption. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  God  himself  hath  devised  a  way  of  escape  from  the  ef- 
fects of  sin. — John,  iii.  16.     God  so  loved  the  world,  that 
he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth 
in  him,  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 

2.  Faith  in  Christ  is  necessary  for  escaping  the  wrath  and 
curse  of  God. — Acts,  xvi.  31.     Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved. 

3.  True  repentance  is  necessary  for  escaping  the  wrath 
and  curse  of  God. — Luke,  xiii.  3.     Except  ye  repent,  ye 
shall  all  likewise  perish. 

4.  A  diligent  use  of  the  means  of  grace  is  required  of  all 
who  would  escape  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God. — Phil.  ii.  12, 
13.     Work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trem- 
bling :  for  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you  both  to  will 
and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure. 

5.  The  benefits  of  salvation  are  usually  communicated  to 
sinners  by  means  of  the  ordinances. — Rom.  x.   14.      How 
then  shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom  they  have  not  be- 
lieved ?  and  how  shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they 
have  not  heard?    and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a 
preacher  ? 


202  OF   FAITH    IN   JESUS    CHRIST. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That,  on  account  of  sin,  I  am  in  great  peril. 
(2.)  That  God  has  graciously  appointed  certain  means  of 
escape.  (3.)  That  if  I  neglect  the  means  appointed  I 
must  suffer  the  punishment  which  I  deserve.  (4.)  That 
my  deliverance  from  sin  and  its  consequences  should  be 
one  great  business  of  my  life  on  earth.  (5.)  It  becomes 
me  to  warn,  and  otherwise  to  assist,  my  fellow-men  to 
avoid,  or  get  away  from,  the  miseries  which  sin  has 
created. 

What  Illustrations  are  given? 

1.  A  QUESTION. — "MAMMA,"    said   a  little  child,    "my 
Sabbath-school  teacher  tells  me  that  this  world  is  only  a 
place  in  which  God  lets  us  live  awhile  that  we  may  pre- 
pare for  a  better  world.     But,  mother,  I  do  not  see  any 
body  preparing.      I  see  you  preparing  to  go  into  the 
country,   and    Aunt  Ellen  is  preparing   to  come    here. 
But  I  do  not  see  any  one  preparing  to  go  there.      Why 
don't  you  try  to  get  ready  ?    You  scarce  ever  speak  about 
going." — Ch.  Treasury. 

2.  JOHN  NEWTON  wisely  remarks :  "  Many  have  puzzled 
themselves  about  the  origin  of  evil.     I  observe  there  is 
evil,  and  that  there  is  A  WAY  TO  ESCAPE  IT,  and  with  this  I 
begin  and  end." 


SECTION    I. 

OF    FAITH    IN   JESUS    CHRIST. 

Q.  86.  WHAT  is  FAITH  IN  JESUS  CHRIST? 

Faith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  a  saving  grace,  whereby 
we  receive  and  rest  upon  him  alone  for  salvation, 
as  he  is  offered  to  us  in  the  gospel. 


OF   FAITH   IN   JESUS   CHRIST.  203 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Faith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  a  saving  grace. — John,  xx.  81. 
That  believing  ye  might  have  life  through  his  name. 

2.  Jesus  Christ  is  received  as  our  Saviour,  by  faith. — Johnf 
i.  12.     As  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power 
to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on 
his  name. 

3.  By  faith  we  depend  upon  Christ  for  salvation. — Acts, 
xv.  11.     We  believe,  that  through  the  grace  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  we  shall  be  saved. 

4.  By  faith  we  depend  on  Christ  alone  for  salvation. — GaL 
ii.  1 6.     We  have  believed  in  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  might 
be  justified  by  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  not  by  the  works 
of  the  law. 

5.  By  faith  we  receive  Christ  as  offered  in  the  Gospel. — 
Eph.  i.  13.     In  whom  ye  also  trusted,  after  that  ye  heard 
the  word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your  salvation. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Truths 
I  learn  (1.)  That  trust  in  Christ  is  essential  to  future 
happiness.  (2.)  That  I  must  put  no  trust  in  any  supposed 
goodness  or  in  any  efforts  of  mine  own,  as  deserving  of 
salvation,  or  as  recommending  me  to  Christ.  (3.)  That  I 
am  indebted  to  God,  not  only  for  the  gift  of  his  dear  Son, 
as  my  Saviour,  but  for  the  disposition  so  to  accept  of  that 
gift  as  to  be  profited  by  it,  or  to  have  an  interest  in  it, 
and  hence  there  is  no  merit  in  faith.  (4.)  That  I  must 
look  to  Christ  daily  and  thankfully,  not  only  for  pardon, 
but  for  the  destruction  of  all  that  is  sinful  in  my  heart 
and  life,  as  preparatory  to  a  .residence  with  him  in 
heaven. 

How  can  you  Illustrate  this  subject  ? 

1.  I  was  once  called,  says  the  excellent  William  Jay, 
of  England,  to  attend  the  dying  bed  of  a  young  female. 
In  answer  to  my  inquiries,  she  replied:  "I  have  little  to 
relate  as  to  my  own  experience.  I  have  been  much  tried 
and  tempted,  but  this  is  my  sheet-anchor.  He  hath  said, 
'Him  that  cometh  unto  me,  I  will  in  no  wise  cast  out.'  I 


204  OF   FAITH    IN   JESUS    CHRIST. 

know  I  come  to  him,  and  I  EXPECT  HE  WILL  BE  AS  GOOD 
A8  HIS  WORD.  Poor  and  unworthy  as  I  am,  he  will  not 
trifle  with  me,  nor  deceive  me.  It  would  be  beneath  his 
greatness  as  well  as  his  goodness." 

2.  How  TO  GO  TO  CHRIST. — A.  MINISTER  of  the  Gospel  one 
day  had  gone  into  his  cellar,  which  in  winter  was  quite 
dark,  and  entered  by  a  trap  door.  A  little  daughter,  only 
three  years  old,  was  trying  to  find  him,  and  came  to  the 
trap  door ;  but,  on  looking  down,  all  was  dark,  and  she 
called:  "Are  you  down  cellar,  papa?"  "Yes,  would 
you  like  to  come,  Mary  ?"  "  It  is  dark ;  I  can't  come 
down,  papa."  "  Well,  my  daughter,  I  am  right  below 
you,  and  I  can  see  you,  though  you  cannot  see  me,  and  if 
you  will  drop  yourself,  I  will  catch  you."  "  Oh,  I  should 
fall:  I  can't  see  you,  papa."  "I  know  it,"  he  answered, 
"  but  I  am  really  here,  and  you  shall  not  hurt  yourself. 
If  you  will  jump,  I  will  catch  you  safely."  Little  Mary 
strained  her  eyes  to  the  utmost,  but  she  could  see  no 
glimpse  of  her  father ;  she  hesitated,  then  advanced 
a  little  farther,  then,  summoning  all  her  resolution, 
she  threw  herself  forward,  and  was  received  safely 
in  her  father's  arms.  A  few  days  after,  she  again  dis- 
covered the  cellar  door  open,  and  supposing  her  father  to 
be  there,  she  called :  "  Shall  I  come  again,  papa  ?"  "  Yes, 
my  dear,  in  a  minute,"  he  replied,  and  had  just  time  to 
reach  his  arms  towards  her,  when,  in  her  childish  glee, 
she  fell  shouting  into  his  arms ;  and  clasping  his  neck, 
said :  "  I  knew,  dear  papa,  I  should  not  fall."  The  above 
is  a  plain  illustration  of  the  manner  in  which  a  sinner,  of 
any  age,  must  put  his  trust  in  Christ  alone,  in  his  alleged 
power,  and  willingness,  and  offer  to  save,  at  once,  now, 
whoevei  casts  himself,  like  this  little  girl,  into  the  open 
arms  of  his  mercy ;  not  waiting  for  any  fitness  for  the 
act,  nor  doubting  a  happy  result,  as  was  found  in  the 
case  above. 


OP   REPENTANCE    UNTO   LIFE  205 

3.  CHINESE  CHILDREN. — Miss  Grant,  at  Singapore,  had  a 
school  for  little  Chinese  girls.     She  was  one  day  asking  a 
class  this  question,  "  Were  you  sure  of  dying  to-morrow, 
what  would  you  do  to-day  ?"     One  said,  "  She  would  be 
getting  her  grave  ready" — which  is   a  very  important 
business  among  the  Chinese ;  but  another,  with  a  resolute 
countenance,  said,  "  I  would  believe  strongly  in  Jesus." 

4.  How  TO  STRENGTHEN  FAITH. — The  sailor,  by  using  his 
eyes  in  looking  for  land,  acquires  great  keenness  of  sight. 
Use  the  eye  of  Faith  in  looking  for  your  eternal  haven, 
and  you  give  it  greater  clearness  of  vision. 


SECTION    II. 

OF    REPENTANCE    UNTO    LIFE. 

Q.  87.  WHAT  is  REPENTANCE  UNTO  LEFE  ? 

Repentance  unto  life  is  a  saving  grace,  whereby 
a  sinner,  out  of  a  true  sense  of  his  sin  and  appre- 
hension of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  doth,  with 
grief  and  hatred  of  his  sin,  turn  from  it  unto  God 
with  full  purpose  of,  and  endeavor  after,  new  obedi- 
ence. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  1 

1.  Repentance  is  a  saving  grace. — 2  Cor.  vii.  10.     Godly 
sorrow  worketh  repentance  to  salvation,  not  to  be  re- 
pented of. 

2.  In  repentance  there  must  be  a  true  sense  of  sin. — Psal. 
li.  4.     Against  thee,  thee  only  have  I  sinned,  and  done 
this  evil  in  thy  sight. 

3.  In  repentance  there  is  an  apprehension  of  mercy  in 
God. — Rom.  ii.  4    The  goodness  of  God  leadeth  thee  to 
repentance. 

18 


206  OF    REPENTANCE    UNTO    LIFE. 

4.  The  mercy  of  God  to  the  sinner  is  exhibited  only  in 
Christ. — Rom.  iii.  25.     Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a 
propitiation  through  faith  in  his  blood,  to  declare  his 
righteousness  for  the  remission  of    sins   that    are  past, 
through  the  forbearance  of  God. 

5.  In  true  repentance  there  is  a  sincere  grief  for  sin. — Jer. 
xxxi.  19.     I  was  ashamed,  yea,  even  confounded,  because 
I  did  bear  the  reproach  of  my  youth. 

6.  In  true  repentance  there  is  a  sincere  hatred  of  sm.— 
Ezek.  xxxvi.  31.     Then  shall  ye  remember  your  own  evil 
ways,  and  your  doings  that  were  not  good,  and  shall 
loathe  yourselves  in  your  own  sight  for  your  iniquities, 
and  for  your  abominations. 

7.  In  true  repentance,   the  sinner  turns  from  his  sin. — 
Ezek.  xviii.  30.      Repent,  and  turn  yourselves  from  all 
your  transgressions. 

8.  In  true  repentance,  the  sinner  returns  back  unto  God.— 
Lam.  iii.  40.     Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn 
again  to  the  Lord. 

9.  In  repentance,  there  is  a  full  purpose  of  future  obedi- 
ence to  God. — Psal.  cxix.  59.     I  thought  on  my  ways,  and 
turned  my  feet  unto  thy  testimonies. 

10.  In  true  repentance,  there  is  an  anxious  endeavor  to 
obey  God. — Jer.  xxxi.  18.     Turn  thou  me,  and  I  shall  be 
turned ;  for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God. 

11.  The  obedience  following  true  repentance,  is  a  new  obedi- 
ence.— Horn.  vii.  6.     That  we  should  serve  in  newness  of 
spirit,  and  not  in  the  oldness  of  the  letter. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  mere  sorrow  on  account  of  sin  does 
not  amount  to  Repentance.  (2.)  That  so  long  as  sin  is 
committed,  repentance  will  be  a  pressing  duty.  (3.) 
That  I  should  study  the  great  wrong  I  have  done  in 
breaking  God's  law  and  opposing  his  revealed  will,  in 
days  past.  (4.)  That  I  must  look  to  God  for  the  aid  of 
his  Holy  Spirit  to  make  me  hate  sin  more  deeply,  and  to 
turn  from  the  practice  of  all  sin,  whether  inward  or  out- 
ward, against  God  and  against  man,  and  against  my  own 
soul.  (5.)  That  I  should  deeply  adore,  and  earnestly  ap~ 


OF   REPENTANCE    UNTO    LIFE.  207 

prehend,  or  lay  hold  of,  the  mercy  of  God  which  is  shown 
to  repenting  sinners,  on  account  of  what  Christ  has  suf- 
fered in  our  behalf.  (6.)  That  this  repentance  or  change 
of  heart  does  not  merit  everlasting  life,  for  it  is  produced 
and  maintained  in  the  soul  by  the  gracious  act  of  God,  and 
is  simply  a  necessary  preparation  for  the  life  of  heaven. 
(7.)  God  would  dishonor  himself  and  his  holy  law  should 
he  pardon  any  sinner  who  does  not  condemn  and  hate 
himself  for  his  transgression  of  that  law,  and  does  not 
sincerely  purpose  and  endeavor  to  honor  it,  and  thus  to 
honor  God  in  all  his  future  conduct.  (8.)  Hence,  I  learn, 
that  careless  and  impenitent  sinners  will  derive  no  bene- 
fit from  Christ's  sufferings.  (9.)  That  their  guilt  and  sin- 
fulness  are  fearfully  increased  by  not  regarding  the  mercy 
that  is  offered  them  through  Christ,  upon  condition  of 
their  repentance. 

How  can  you  Illustrate  this  Subject  ? 

1.  WHAT   is  PENITENCE  ? — Penitence  is    the    tear  that 
drops  from  the  eye  of  faith,  when  that  eye  is  fixed  upon 
the  cross. 

2.  REPENTANCE — NOT  MERE  SORROW. — Repentance  is  not 
mere  sorrow  for  sin,  or  hell  would  be  the  most  penitent 
world  in  the  universe.     Not  a  lost  soul  there  but  is  sorry 
for  the  course  which  led  to  so  fearful  a  termination. — 
Ford. 

3.  SECRET  SIN. — It  was  an  impressive  saying  of  Bishop 
TAYLOR  :  "  Though  I  could  commit  sin  so  secretly  that  no 
person  living  should  ever  hear  of  it,  and  though  I  were 
sure  that  God  would  never  punish  me  for  it,  yet  would  I 
not  commit  sin,  for  the  very  filthiness  of  sin." 

4.  Mr.  BOLTON  said  to  his  children,  who  stood  around 
his  dying  bed,  "See  that  none  of  you  meet  me  in  an  un- 
converted state,  at  the  Day  of  Judgment." 

5.  "  I  WILL  RUN  THE  RISK." — At  the  close  of  a  discourse 
of  great  pungency  and  plainness,   a  preacher    made  a 


208  OF  REPENTANCE    UNTO    LIFE. 

solemn  appeal  to  his  hearers,  whether  in  view  of  the 
truths  and  warnings  he  had  uttered,  they  would  run  the 
risk  of  delaying  the  work  of  repentance  ?  At  the  close 
of  the  service,  in  passing  down  the  aisle,  a  lady,  deeply 
impressed  with  the  appeal  which  had  been  made,  said,  in 
a  low  but  earnest  tone,  to  a  gay  young  lady  of  her  ac- 
quaintance, "  Can  you  resist  such  an  appeal  as  you  have 
just  heard  ?  Will  you  venture  to  run  the  risk  of  your 
soul  ?"  "  O  yes,"  she  replied  in  a  thoughtless  tone,  "  I  will 
run  the  risk."  A  few  days  after,  the  pastor  who  made  this 
appeal  was  called  to  attend  the  funeral  of  a  young  lady, 
in  a  certain  street,  who  had  died  suddenly.  It  proved  to 
be  the  young  lady  who  had  ventured  to  run  such  a  dread- 
ful risk  of  losing  her  soul.  Behind  the  curtain  of  eternity 
we  may  not  penetrate  or  follow  the  soul  to  its  last  ac- 
count.— Zion's  Herald. 

6.  THE  LAST  QUESTION. — A  little  boy,  on  his  death-bed, 
urging  his  father  to  repentance,  said,  "  Father,  I  am  going 
to  heaven ;  what  shall  I  tell  Jesus  is  the  reason  why  you 
won't  love  him  ?"    Before  the  weeping  father  could  an- 
swer, the  child  had  fallen  asleep  in  Jesus. 

7.  DISTKESS  FOR  SIN. — In  a  powerful  revival,  the  Rev. 
DR.  NETTLETON  once  said,  "  It  may  be  new  to  some  of  you 
that  there  should  be  such  distress  for  sin.     But  there  was 
great  distress  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  when  thousands 
were  pricked   in   the  heart,   and   cried   out,   'Men  and 
brethren,  what  shall  we  do  ?'    Some  of  you  may,   per- 
haps, be  ready  to  say,  *  If  this  is  religion,  we  wish  to  have 
nothing  to  do  with  it.'     My  friends,  this  is  not  religion. 
Religion  does  not  cause  its  subjects  to  feel  and  act  thus. 
These  individuals  are  thus  distressed,  not  because  they 
have  religion,  but  because  they  have  no  religion,  and  have 
found  it  out.     It  was  so  on  the  day  of  Pentecost.     They 
had  made  the  discovery  that  they  were  lost  sinners,  and 
that  their  souls  were  in  jeopardy  every  hour." 


THE  DILIGENT  USE  OF  THE  MEANS  OF  GRACE.   209 


SECTION  III. 

OF  THE  DILIGENT  USE  OF  THE  MEANS  OF  GRACE 

VIZ.,  THE  WORD  OF  GOD,  THE  SACRAMENTS  AND 
PRAYER. 

Q   88.  WHAT  ARE  THE  OUTWARD  MEANS  WHEREBY  CHRIST 

COMMUNICATETH   TO   IIS   THE   BENEFITS   OF   REDEMPTION? 

The  outward  and  ordinary  means  whereby 
Christ  com  muni cateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  redemp- 
tion, are  his  ordinances  ;  especially  the  word,  sacra- 
ments and  prayer,  all  which  are  made  effectual  to 
the  elect  for  salvation. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1 .  There  are  certain  means  of  grace  to  be  observed  by  the 
people  of  God. — Acts,  ii.  42.     They  continued  steadfastly 
in  the  apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  breaking 
of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

2.  The  means  of  grace  have  been  appointed  by  Christ. — 
Matt,  xxviii.  20.     Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things 
whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you. 

3.  The  benefits  of  redemption  are  communicated  by  the 
means  of  grace. — Eph.  iv.  11,  12.     He  gave  some,  apostles; 
and  some,   prophets ;  and  some,  evangelists ;  and  some, 
pastors,  and  teachers  ;  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of 
Christ. 

4.  The  word  of  God  is  one  special  means  of  grace. — John, 
xx.  31.     These  are  written,  that  ye  may  believe  that  Jesus 
is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God;    and  that,  believing,  ye 
might  have  life  through  his  name. 

5.  The  Sacraments  are  special  means  of  grace, — 1  Cor. 
x.  16.     The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the 
communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ  ?      The   bread  which 
we  break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ  ? 

6.  Prayer  is  a  special  means  of  grace. — Mark,  xi.  24. 


210  THE  DILIGENT  USE  OF  THE  MEANS  OF  GRACE. 

What  things  soever  ye  desire  when  ye  pray,  believe  that 
ye  receive  them,  and  ye  shall  have  them. 

7.  The  means  of  grace  are,  by  the  Spirit,  rendered  effectual 
to  the  salvation  of  God's  people. — 1  Thess.  i.  5.  Our  gospel 
came  not  unto  you  in  word  only,  but  also  in  power,  and 
in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in  much  assurance. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  elect,  or  God's  chosen  people,  will 
not  be  saved  without  the  use  of  means,  for  tfcey  need  the 
influence  of  means  to  change  their  dispositions  and 
manner  of  life,  bringing  these  into  a  correspondence  with 
the  heavenly  state.  (2.)  That  it  is  not  wise,  or  respect- 
ful to  God,  to  neglect  the  means  of  salvation ;  for  God 
has  commanded  them  to  be  used  by  all.  (3.)  I  have  no 
business  to  decline  the  use  of  these  means  so  long  as  I  am 
not  assured  that  I  am  one  of  the  elect ;  for  God  gives  no 
one  such  assurance  except  as  it  may  be  gained  from  using 
the  means  of  grace,  and  by  the  use  of  them  being  brought 
to  that  faith  in  Christ,  and  that  repentance  unto  life, 
which  have  already  been  explained.  (4.)  I  must  daily 
thank  God  for  these  means  of  salvation,  use  them  with 
humble  dependence  on  God  to  make  them  avail  to  my 
preparation  for  heaven,  and  labor  to  give  to  all  my  fellow- 
men  the  same  advantages  for  eternal  life.  (5.)  My  com- 
passion should  go  forth  daily  to  those  in  Christian  lands 
who  neglect  or  pervert  and  abuse  the  gospel  of  Christ 
and  Christian  rites,  and  also  to  the  millions  of  mankind 
to  whom  Christ  has  never  been  held  forth  as  an  almighty 
and  sufficient  Saviour. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  THE  BIBLE  WITHHELD  BY  ROMISH  PRIESTS. — Says 
"  Kirwan  "  to  Archbishop  Hughes :  "  God  has  commanded 
me  to  *  Search  the  Scriptures/  Who  has  given  you  author- 
ity to  forbid  me  ?  What  right  have  you  to  forbid  me,  more 


THE  DILIGENT  USE  OF  THE  MEANS  OF  GRACE.     21 1 

than  I  have  to  forbid  you  ?  Produce  your  credentials  I 
Where  does  God  place  his  Revealed  Will  in  the  keeping 
of  pope,  prelate,  or  priest,  to  be  doled  out  to  his  erring 
children  in  such  ways  and  parcels  as  they  may  deem 
best?  He  has  no  more  placed  the  Bible  under  your  con- 
trol, or  that  of  your  church,  than  he  has  the  sun  in  heaven 
or  the  vital  air." 

2.  PRAYING  TO  SAINTS. — "In  looking  over  the  Bible," 
says  the  Rev.  Dr.  Nevins,  "  the  book  which  contains  the 
religion  of  Protestants,  and  which,  being  older  than  tho 
Roman  Catholic  religion,   proves  the  seniority  of    Pro- 
testantism over  Popery,  I  find  no  account  of  praying  to 
saints.     I  do  not  read  of  Joshua  praying  to  Moses,  or  of 
Elisha  invoking  Elijah.     No !  there  is  not  a  word  of  what 
constitutes  so  much  of  the  doctrine  of  the  Catholic  in 
either  Testament,     We  do  not  find  anything  in  the  Acts 
or  Epistles  about  praying  to  the  beloved  Virgin,  whom 
they  call  our  Lady,  in  allusion  to  the  phrase  our  Lord. 
*          *          *  *          *          Catholic  books  are  full 
of  the  blessed  Virgin.     The  Bible  is  all  about  Christ. 
There  is  the  difference." — Thoughts  on  Popery. 

3.  A  CHILD'S  REBUKE. — On  a  certain  occasion  when  a 
minister  was  speaking  of  the  neglect  of  family  duties,  of 
reading  the  Scriptures,  and  of  family  prayer,  a  little  girl, 
who  listened  attentively,  and  perceived  that  the  preacher 
was  describing  a  neglect  that  she  had  herself  noticed  at 
home,  whispered  to  her  mother,    "Ma,  is  the  minister 
talking  to  you?"    To  the  mother  this  simple  question 
was  more  powerful  than  the  sermon.     She  was  immedi- 
ately brought  under  deep  convictions  of  sin,  which-  re- 
sulted in  her  hopeful  conversion  to  God. 

ALEXANDER  PATERSON. — "It  was  our  Communion  last 
Sabbath,"  he  writes  to  his  friend,  Mr.  Edie,  "  and  I  think 
I  never  felt  my  soul  more  drawn  forth  to  Jesus,  and  away 
from  myself  and  every  creature.  And  oh,  if  communion 


212  THE  WORD  OF  GOD  AS  A  MEANS  OF  GRACE. 

on  earth  be  so  sweet,  what  must  it  be  in  heaven,  where 
there  is  no  wandering  heart,  and  no  tempting  devil,  and 
no  ensnaring  world.  *  *  *  *  The 

marriage  supper  hastens.  Oh,  how  little  have  we  seen 
of  Christ !  There  is  enough  in  him  to  fill  men  and  angels 
with  new  wonder  to  all  eternity." 


OF   THE   WORD    OF   GOD   AS   A   MEANS   OF   GRACE. 

Q.  89.  HOW  IS  THE  WORD  MADE  EFFECTUAL  TO  SALVA- 
TION? 

The  Spirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but 
especially  the  preaching  of  the  word,  an  effectual 
means  of  convincing  and  converting  sinners,  and 
of  building  them  up  in  holiness  and  comfort, 
through  faith,  unto  salvation. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  Holy  Spirit  alone  makes  the  word  effectual  to  sal- 
vation.— 1  Pet.  i.   22.      Ye  have  purified  your  souls  in 
obeying  the  truth  through  the  Spirit. 

2.  The  reading  of  the  word  is  made  an  effectual  means  of 
convincing  sinners. — 2  Kings,  xxii.  10,  11.     Shaphan  read 
it  before  the  king.     And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  king 
had  heard  the  words  of  the  book  of  the  law,  that  he  rent 
his  clothes. 

3.  The  reading  of  the  word  is  made  an  effectual  means  of 
converting  sinners. — Psal.  xix  7.     The  law  of  the  Lord  is 
perfect,  converting  the  soul. 

4.  The  reading    of  the  word  is   an   effectual  means  of 
building  up  God's  people    in   holiness.—  Acts,   xx.   32.     I 
commend  you  to  God,  and  to  the  word  of  his  grace, 
which  is  able  to  build  you  up,  and  to  give  you  an  in- 
heritance among  all  them  which  are  sanctified. 

5.  The    reading    of  the  word   is  an   effectual   means  of 
comforting  God's  people. — Rom.  xv.  4.     Whatsoever  things 


THE  WORD  OF  GOD  AS  A  MEANS  OF  GRACE.  213 

were  written  aforetime,  were  written  for  our  learning, 
that  we,  through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  Scriptures, 
might  have  hope. 

6.  The  reading  of  the  word  is  made  effectual  to  salvation 
through  faith. — 2  Tim.  iii.   15.     From  a  child  thou  hast 
known  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee 
wise  unto  salvation,  through  faith  which  is   in  Christ 
Jesus. 

7.  The  preaching  of  the  word  is  especially  an  effectual 
means  of  convincing  sinners. — Acts,  ii.   37.       When  they 
heard  this,  they  were  pricked  in  their  heart,  and  said 
unto   Peter,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  Men  and 
brethren,  what  shall  we  do  ? 

8.  The  preaching   of  the  word  is  especially  an  effectual 
means    of  converting  sinners. — Acts,   xxvi.   17,    18.      The 
Gentiles,  unto  whom  now  I  send  thee,  to  open  their  eyes, 
and  to  turn  them  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the 
power  of  Satan  unto  God. 

9.  The  preaching  of  the  word  is  especially  an  effectual 
means  of  building  up  God's  people  in  holiness. — Col.  i.  28. 
We  preach,  warning  every  man,  and  teaching  every  man 
in  all  wisdom  ;  that  we  may  present  every  man  perfect 
in  Christ  Jesus. 

10.  The  preaching  of  the  word  is  especially  an  effectual 
means  of  comforting  God's  people. — 1  Thess.  iii.  2.     And 
sent  Timotheus — to   establish  you,   and  to  comfort  you 
concerning  your  faith. 

11.  The  preaching  of  the  word  is  made  effectual  to  salva- 
tion, only  through  faith. — Heb.  iv.  'J.     The  word  preached 
did  not  profit  them,  not  being  mixed  with  faith  in  them 
that  heard  it. 


What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  use  of  the  means  of  religious  in- 
struction, improvement,  comfort,  and  salvation,  will  not 
be  availing  except  the  energy  of  the  Holy  Spirit  be  ex- 
erted in  connection  with  them.  And  (2.)  That,  to  enjoy 
the  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  I  must  rely  wholly  and  con- 
stantly upon  the  merit,  death,  and  intercession  of  the 
Son  of  God.  (3.)  That  none  can  be  saved  who  are  not 


214   THE  WORD  OF  GOD  AS  A  MEANS  OF  GRACE. 

thus  looking  to  Christ,  however  diligently  they  may  read 
the  Scriptures,  attend  upon  public  preaching,  or  abound 
in  prayer.  (4.)  That  the  only  proper  and  profitable 
manner  of  performing  these  duties  is  to  seek  therein  the 
promised  favor  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  (5.)  That  the  whole 
credit  of  the  spiritual  peace,  comfort,  purity,  and  salvation 
of  those  who  are  finally  saved,  must  be  forever  given  to 
God  the  Spirit,  through  the  mediation  and  worthiness  of 
God  the  Son.  (6.)  That  a  merely  outward  and  formal 
religion  has  no  fitness  or  efficacy  to  prepare  men  for 
everlasting  life. 

What  Illustrations  ean  you  give  ? 

1.  WHAT  THE  SPIRIT  CAN  DO. — The  Spirit  is  an  almighty 
Spirit.  He  can  break  the  strongest  bad  habits,  like  tow 
before  the  fire.  He  can  make  the  most  difficult  things 
easy,  and  the  mightiest  objections  melt  away  like  snow 
in  spring.  The.  Spirit  can  take  a  Roman  Catholic  monk, 
brought  up  in  the  midst  of  Romish  superstition — trained 
from  his  infancy  to  believe  false  doctrine,  and  obey  the 
Pope — steeped  to  the  eyes  in  error — and  make  that  man 
the  clearest  upholder  of  justification  by  faith  the  world 
ever  saw.  He  has  done  so  already.  He  did  it  with 
Martin  Luther. — The  Spirit  can  take  an  English  tinker* 
without  learning,  patronage,  or  money — a  man  at  one 
time  notorious  for  nothing  so  much  as  blasphemy  and 
swearing — and  make  that  man  write  a  religious  book 
which  shall  stand  unrivalled  and  unequalled  in  its  way, 
by  anything  since  the  time  of  the  apostles.  He  has  done 
so  already.  He  did  it  with  John  Bunyan,  the  author  of 
the  "Pilgrim's  Progress." — The  Spirit  can  take  a  sailor, 
drenched  in  worldliness  and  sin — a  profligate  captain  of 
a  slave  ship — and  make  that  man  a  most  successful 
minister  of  the  Gospel — a  writer  of  letters,  which  are  a 
storehouse  of  experimental  religion ;  and  of  hymns,  which 


PROPER    USE   OF   THE    WORD  OF  GOD.  215 

are  known  and  sung  wherever  English  is  spoken.  He 
has  done  it  already.  He  did  it  with  John  Newton. — Ryle. 
2.  DR,  GRIFFIN  showed  his  profound  sense  of  the  need 
of  divine  influence  to  give  efficacy  to  preaching,  by  a  re- 
mark which  he  dropped  concerning  a  young  man,  a  pupil 
of  his,  who  had  just  commenced  preaching,  "  He  has," 
said  he,  "  a  very  active  mind  and  superior  talents.  The 
only  question  I  have  about  him  is,  whether  he  will  pray 
•down  the  Holy  Spirit  while  he  preaches  ?" 

Proper  use  of  the   Word  of  God. 

Q.  90.  HOW  IS  THE  WORD  TO  BE  READ  AND  HEARD,  THAT 
IT  MAY  BECOME  EFFECTUAL  TO  SALVATION? 

That  the  word  in  ay  become  effectual  to  salva- 
tion, we  must  attend  thereunto  with  diligence, 
preparation,  and  prayer,  receive  it  with  faith  and 
love,  lay  it  up  in  our  hearts,  and  practice  it  in  our 
lives. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  Word  o/  God  must  be  attended  to,  and  understood. 
— Acts,  viii.  30.     Understandest  thou  what  thou  readest  ? 

2.  The  Word  of  God  mwst  be  attended  to  with  diligence. — 
Acts,  xvii.  11.   And  searched  the  Scriptures  daily,  whether 
those  things  were  so. 

3.  The  Word  of  God  must  be  attended  to  with  preparation. 
— James,  i.  21.     Lay  apart  all  filthiness  and  superfluity 
of  naughtiness,  and  receive  with  meekness  the  ingrafted 
word,  which  is  able  to  save  your  souls. 

4.  The  Word  of  God  must  be  attended  to  in  the  exercise  of 
prayer. — Psal.  cxix.  18.     Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may 
behold  wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law. 

5.  The  Word  of  God  must  be  received  with  faith.— I  Thess. 
ii.  13.     For  this  cause  also  thank  we  God  without  ceasing, 
because,  when  ye  received  the  Word  of  God  which  ye 


216          PROPER    USE    OF    THE    WORD    OF    GOD. 

heard  of  us,  ye  received  it  not  as  the  word  of  men,  but 
(as  it  is  in  truth)  the  Word  of  God,  which  effectually 
worketh  also  in  you  that  believe. 

6.  The  Word  of  God  must  be  received  with  love. — Psal. 
cxix.  97.  O  how  love  I  thy  law ! 

Y.  The  Word  of  God  must  be  meditated  upon. — Col.  iii. 
16.  Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in  all 
wisdom. 

8.  The  Word  of  God  must  be  laid  up  in  the  heart.— Deut. 
xi.  18.     Ye  shall  lay  up  these  my  words  in  your  heart, 
and  in  your  soul. 

9.  The  truths  of  the  Word  must  be  reduced  to  practice  in 
our  lives. — James,  i.   22.     Be  ye  doers  of  the  Word,  and 
not  hearers  only,  deceiving  your  own  selves. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  but  few  so  read  the  Scriptures  or  attend 
upon  Gospel  preaching,  as  to  make  them  effectual  for  sal- 
vation. (2.)  That  I  must  be  more  earnest,  and  prayerful, 
and  laborious  in  effort,  to  gain  salvation,  as  an  attainable 
and  most  desirable  result  of  attendance  upon  the  preached 
gospel.  (3.)  That  I  must  not  be  satisfied  with  any  result 
short  of  this,  either  in  my  own  case  or  that  of  others. 
(4.)  That  salvation  is  not  to  be  expected  without  inces- 
sant effort. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  A  CONVERSATION  ABOUT  A  REVIVAL. — "  Mamma,"  said 
Lucy  to  her  mother,  "  What  is  a  Revival  ?  I  often  see  it 
stated  in  the  papers  that  there  has  been  a  revival  in  such 
and  such  places.  What  does  it  mean  ?"  "  A  revival," 
said  her  mother,  "  is  a  certain  state  of  things  in  a  com- 
munity, produced  by  the  presence  and  operation  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  on  the  minds  and  hearts  of  the  people,  lead- 
ing them  to  believe  and  act  more  like  rational,  account- 
able beings,  than  they  do  at  other  times."  "Why, 
mother,  how  do  people  feel  and  act  in  revivals?"  "  They 


PROPER    USE    OF   THE   WORD'  OF    GOD.          217 

feel  that  they  have  souls  which  must  be  happy  or  miser- 
able forever,  and  that  much  needs  to  be  done  to  prepare 
them  for  happiness.  Those  who  love  the  blessed  Saviour 
feel  very  anxious  that  others  should  love  him  too.  Pa- 
rents are  uncommonly  desirous  that  their  children  should 
now  turn  from  the  ways  of  sin,  and  be  engaged  in  serving 
the  Lord  and  doing  good ;  and  ministers  feel  that  their 
unconverted  hearers  are  exposed  to  everlasting  suffering, 
and  that  unless  they  soon  repent  and  love  God,  and  pray, 
they  will  lie  down  in  everlasting  sorrow.  Many  of  those 
who  are  not  Christians  begin  to  feel  that  they  have  done 
very  wrong  in  neglecting  to  receive  the  Lord  Jesus  as 
their  Saviour,  and  living  in  disobedience  to  the  commands 
of  God.  Those  who  have  been  in  the  practice  of  swear- 
ing, or  breaking  the  Sabbath,  or  drinking,  or  gambling, 
or  attending  theatres,  or  neglecting  the  worship  of  God, 
feel  Very  guilty  for  their  past  conduct,  and  often  inquire 
of  the  minister,  or  some  intelligent  Christian,  what  they 
shall  do  to  be  saved.  Those  unconverted  persons  who 
havre  always  been  honest  and  moral,  and  who  have  been 
in  the  habit  of  attending  religious  meetings,  sometimes 
are  in  great  distress  and  perplexity,  in  view  of  their  in- 
gratitude to  their  Maker  and  Redeemer,  and  are  ready 
to  cry  out,  in  the  language  of  the  humble  publican,  *  God 
be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner !'  And  sometimes  little  chil- 
dren are  seen  weeping  over  their  sins,  and  asking  pious 
people  to  pray  for  them.  And,  as  the  result  of  the  uni- 
versal feeling  and  anxiety  in  the  community,  people  de- 
sire to  assemble  together  very  often,  for  preaching,  and 
exhortation,  and  prayer;  and  when  at  meeting,  they  find 
no  difficulty  in  keeping  awake.  They  hear  with  all  their 
ears,  and  are  ready  to  put  in  practice  what  they  hear. 
There  is  a  life,  and  zeal,  and  unction,  in  the  exhortations,, 
and  prayers,  and  singing,  that  makes  it  manifest  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  is  present.  As  the  revival  advances,  those 
19 


218        THE    SACRAMENTS   AS    MEANS   OF   GRACE. 

who  were  anxious  about  themselves,  one  after  another, 
repent  of  their  sins,  submit  to  God,  believe  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  are  filled  with  love,  and  joy,  and  peace, 
and  comfort.  Fathers,  who  had  never  prayed  with  their 
family  before,  now  call  them  together,  and  read  the  Bible 
and  pray  with  them.  After  those  who  have  become 
Christians  in  this  revival  have  waited  long  enough  to  try 
the  evidences  of  their  conversion,  they  offer  themselves 
to  the  church  to  become  members.  They  wish  to  obey 
the  Saviour's  command  in  regard  to  the  Lord's  Supper, 
'This  do  in  remembrance  of  me.'" — [Selected.] 

2.  A  PRACTICAL  PREACHER. — A  New  England  clergyman, 
enforcing  on  his  congregation  the  necessity  of  practical 
godliness,  and  contrasting  the  early  Christians  with  those 
of  the  present  generation,  very  properly  remarked :  "  We 
have  too  many  resolutions,  and  too  little  action.  '  The 
Acts  of  the  Apostles/  is  the  title  of  one  of  the  books  of 
the  New  Testament ;  their  resolutions  have  not  reached 
us. 


OP  THE  SACRAMENTS  AS  MEANS  OF  GRACE. 

Of  the  JUfficacy  of  the  Sacraments. 

Q.  91.  HOW  DO  THE  SACRAMENTS  BECOME  EFFECTUAL  MEANS 
OP  SALVATION  ? 

The  sacraments  become  effectual  means  of  sal- 
vation, not  from  any  virtue  in  them,  or  in  him 
that  doth  administer  them  ;  but  only  by  the  bless- 
ing of  Christ,  and  the  working  of  his  Spirit  in  them 
that  by  faith  receive  them. 


THE  SACRAMENTS  AS  MEANS  OF  GRACE.    219 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

A.  The  sacraments  possess  no  virtue  in  themselves. — Acts, 
viii.  13,  23.  Simon  himself  believed  also,  and  was  bap- 
tized. But  Peter  said  unto  him,  I  perceive  that  thou  art 
in  the  gall  of  bitterness,  and  in  the  bond  of  iniquity. 

2.  The  sacraments  are  not  rendered  effectual  by  any  vir- 
tue in  the  per  son  administering  them. — 1  Cor.  iii.  7.     Neither 
is  he  that  planteth  anything,  neither  he  that  watereth ; 
but  God  that  giveth  the  increase. 

3.  The  sacraments  are  rendered  effectual  by  the  blessing  of 
Christ. — Matt.  iii.  11.      He  shall  baptize  you  with  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  with  fire. 

4.  The  sacraments  are  made  effectual  by  the  operation  of 
the  Spirit  of  God. — John,   vi.   63.      It  is  the  Spirit  that 
quickeneth  ;  the  flesh  profiteth  nothing. 

5.  The  sacraments  become  effectual  to  those  only  who  re- 
ceive them  by  faith. — Mark,  xvi.   16.     He  that  believeth 
and  is  baptized,  shall  be  saved. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  Not  to  depend  on  the  outward  religious 
ceremony,  but  on  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  my 
heart,  when  I  observe  the  ordinance  of  baptism  in  the 
Lord's  Supper.  (2.)  The  error  of  those  who  think  they 
will  be  saved  merely  because  they  have  been  baptized  or 
have  partaken  of  the  memorials  of  Christ's  death.  (3.) 
The  error  of  the  tenet  of  the  Romish  Church,  that  the  effi- 
cacy of  the  sacrament  depends  upon  the  intention  of  the 
priest  to  bless,  or  otherwise,  who  administers  them,  thus 
wrongfully  and  arrogantly  ascribing  to  him  that  power 
to  withhold  or  bestow  religious  benefit  which  belongs 
alone  to  the  Holy  Spirit.  (4.)  The  duty  resting  upon  all 
who  love  Christ  to  profess  the  fact,  and  to  observe  the 
Lord's  Supper  in  honor  of  his  death. 

What  Illustration  is  given? 
A  RELIGION  WITHOUT  A  HOLY  SPIRIT. — "  A  gentleman  of 


220    THE  SACRAMENTS  AS  MEANS  OF  GRACE. 

intelligence,  who  was  born  of  Catholic  parents,  and  edu- 
cated in  the  Catholic  Church,  but  left  it  recently  for  Pro- 
testantism, said  to  his  brother,  who  is  still  a  Catholic : 
'  Why,  brother,  as  long  as  I  was  a  Catholic  I  never  knew 
that  there  was  a  Holy  Spirit.'  And  what  (asks  Dr. 
Kevins)  do  you  think  was  the  brother's  reply  ?  *  Well, 
I  don't  know  that  there  is  one  now!'  The  narrative  of 
what  passed  between  these  two  men  (adds  Dr.  N.)  struck 
me  with  great  force.  A  religion  without  a  Holy  Spirit ! 
and  this  the  religion,  according  to  the  computation  of 
Bishop  England,  of  two  hundred  millions  of  mankind!  It 
made  me  sorry.  My  religion,  thought  I,  would  be  very 
imperfect  without  a  Holy  Spirit.  I  want  a  sanctifier  as 
well  as  a  surety.  I  want  one  to  act  internally  upon  me 
as  well  as  one  to  act  externally  for  me.  What  should  I 
do  with  my  title  to  heaven,  without  &  fitness  for  it  ?  As  a 
sinner,  I  am  equally  destitute  of  both.  There  can  be  410 
heaven  without  holiness.  And  whence  has  any  man  holi- 
ness but  from  the  Holy  Spirit  ?  And  is  it  likely  he  will 
act  when  he  is  not  acknowledged  ?  *  *  »,.'•* 

*  #         *         *       These  men  knew  not  that  there  was 
a  Holy  Spirit.     Why  did  they  not  know  it  ?     I  will  tell 
you.     Because  so  little  is  said  of  the  Holy  Spirit  among 
the  Catholics, — there  is  so  little  need  of  any  such  agent, 
according  to  their  system !     They  do  not  believe  in  the 
necessity  of  a  change  of  heart.     Why  should  there  be  a 
Holy  Spirit  ?     The  priest  does  not  want  any  such  help  to 
prepare  a  soul  for  heaven.     The  Catholic  system  is  com- 
plete without  a  Holy  Spirit.     Therefore  nothing  is  said  of 
him  in  the  pulpit,  and  the  confession  box ;  and  the  sinner 
is  not  directed  to  seek  his  influences  or  rely  on  his  aid. 

*  *          #  #       This  is  one  of  the  capital  crimes 
of  the  Catholic  Church.      She  does   not  speak  against 
the  Holy  Ghost.  No,  she  is  silent  about  him." — Thoughts 
on  Popery. 


THE  NATURE  OF  THE  SACRAMENTS.     221 


Of  the  Nature  of  the  Sacraments. 

Q.  92.  WHAT  is  A  SACRAMENT? 

A  sacrament  is  a  holy  ordinance  instituted  by 
Christ,  wherein  by  sensible  signs,  Christ  and  the 
benefits  of  the  new  covenant,  are  represented, 
sealed,  and  applied  to  believers. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  sacraments  are  holy  ordinances. — 1.  Cor.  x.  21.    Ye 
cannot  drink  the  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the  cup  of  devils ; 
ye  cannot  be  partakers  of   the  Lord's  table,  and  of  the 
table  of  devils. 

2.  The  sacrament  of  baptism  was  instituted  by  Christ. — 
Matt,  xxviii.  19.     Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them. 

3.  The  sacrament  of  the  supper  was  instituted  by  Christ. — 
Matt,  xxvi  26.      And  as  they  were  eating,    Jesus    took 
bread  and  blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  dis- 
ciples, and  said,  Take  eat ;  this  is  my  body. 

4.  Christ  is  represented,  by  sensible  signs,  in  the  sacra- 
ment of  baptism. — Rom.  vi.   3,  4.     Know  ye  not  that  so« 
many  of  us  as  were  baptized  into  Jesus  Christ,  were  bap- 
tized into  his  death  ?     Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him 
by  baptism  into  death. 

5.  Christ  is  represented,  by  sensible  signs,  in  the  sacrament 
of  the  Supper. — 1  Cor.  xi.  24.     This  is  my  body  which  is, 
broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 

6.  The  benefits  of  the  new  covenant  are  represented  in  th& 
sacraments. — John,  vi.  53,  54.     Except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of 
the  Son  of  man,  and  drink  his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in 
you.     Whoso  eateth  my  flesh,   and  drinketh  my  blood, 
hath  eternal  life. 

7.  Christ,  and  the  benefits  of  the  new  covenant,  are  sealed 
to  believers  in  the  sacraments. — Rom.  iv.  11.     He  received, 
the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal   of   the  righteousness  oi 
the  faith,  which  he  had,  yet  being  uncircumcised. 

19* 


222     THE  NATURE  OF  THE  SACRAMENTS. 

8.  Christ  and  the  benefits  of  the  new  covenant,  are  applied 
to  believers  in  the  sacraments. — John,  vi.  56,  57.  He  that 
eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood,  dwelleth  in  me, 
and  I  in  him.  As  the  living  Father  hath  sent  me,  and  I 
live  by  the  Father :  so  he  that  eateth  me,  even  he  shall 
live  by  me. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  Romanists  are  wrong  in  declaring 
that  the  bread  and  wine  used  in  the  Lord's  Supper, 
when  consecrated  by  the  priest,  are  converted  into  the 
real  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord,  and  cease  to  be  bread 
and  wine.  My  senses  prove  that  this  doctrine  is  false, 
and  many  arguments  from  Scripture  overthrow  it.  (2.) 
That  either  having  been  baptized,  or  having  also  observed 
the  Lord's  Supper,  I  am  under  the  more  solemn  engage- 
ment to  devote  my  life  to  Christ.  (3.)  The  great  privi- 
lege to  a  believer,  of  properly  receiving  the  sacrament ; 
since  Christ  therein  pledges  himself  to  bestow  all  that  he 
has  promised  in  the  New  Testament,  and  actually  be- 
stows, to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  the  several  blessings 
purchased  by  his  blood.  (4.)  That  the  sacraments  should 
be  observed  with  great  reverence,  with  lively  gratitude 
and  hope,  and  with  spiritual  joy. 

What  Illustration  can  you  relate  ? 

ROMISH  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  COMMUNION. — "  KIRWAN," 
in  one  of  his  letters  to  Archbishop  Hughes,  says : — "  I 
went  into  St.  Peter's,  in  Barclay  Street.  The  communicants 
drew  around  the  altar  upon  their  knees.  With  a  little 
box  in  his  hand,  the  priest  passed  from  one  to  the  other, 
taking  a  wafer,  smaller  than  that  used  in  sealing  a  letter, 
from  the  box,  and  placed  it  upon  the  extended  tongue 
of  the  communicant.  I  was  always  taught  that  the  teeth 
must  not  touch  the  wafer — that  it  must  melt  upon  the 


THE   NEW   TESTAMENT    SACRAMENTS.  223 

tongue.  This  I  find  to  be  the  law  of  your  church.  I 
witnessed  the  ceremony,  as  I  had  often  done  be- 
fore. I  retired  from  the  scene,  asking  these  questions : 
Is  that  little  wafer  the  real  body  and  blood  of  Christ  ? 
Does  the  priest,  in  that  little  box,  not  as  large  as  a  snuff- 
box, carry  two  or  three  hundred  real  bodies  of  Christ? 
Do  these  communicants,  each  in  their  turn,  eat  the  real 
body  and  blood  of  Christ  ?  My  dear  sir,  I  cannot  express 
to  you  the  violence  with  which  my  mind  rejected  the  ab- 
surdity." 

Of  the  New  Testament  Sacraments. 

Q.  93.  WHICH  ARE  THE  SACRAMENTS  OF  THE  NEW  TESTA- 
MENT? 

The   sacraments  of  the   New    Testament    are 
Baptism,  and  the  Lord's  Supper. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Baptism  is  a  sacrament  of  the  New  Testament. — Mat. 
xxviii.  19.     Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap- 
tizing them. 

2.  The  Lord's  Supper  is  a  sacrament  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment.— 1  Cor.  xi.  23.      I  have  received  of  the  Lord,  that 
which  also  I  delivered  unto  you,  that  the  Lord  Jesus,  tho 
same  night  in  which  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread,  <fcc. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Truths  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  the  Jewish  and  Christian  church  are 
the  same  religious  body,  only  under  different  modes  of  in- 
struction, and  with  different  advantages,  both  looking  to 
Christ  as  the  source  of  their  richest  blessings.  (2.)  That 
the  Romanists  have  no  authority  for  teaching  that  there 
are  seven  sacraments  to  be  observed  in  the  Christian 
church ;  to  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  adding  con- 
firmation, penance,  ordination,  marriage,  and  extreme 
unction.  Though  marriage  and  ordination  are  proper  to 
be  used,  they  have  none  of  the  qualities  of  a  sacrament. 


224  THE    NATURE    AND    USE    OF    BAPTISM. 

•  - 

What  Illustration  is  given? 

SEVEN  SACRAMENTS. — "What !  seven !  How  is  this  ? 
(asks  the  Rev.  Dr.  Nevins),  I  read  in  the  Bible  of  only 
two.  Whence  have  they  the  other  five  ?  O,  they  came 
from  the  other  source  of  Christian  doctrine  (?) — tradition. 
It  is  true,  the  apostles  wrote  of  only  two  sacraments ;  but 
Catholics  would  have  us  believe  that  they  preached  and 
conversed  about  five  others ;  and  those  that  heard  them 
spoke  of  these  sacraments  to  others ;  and  they  to  others 
still ;  and  so  the  story  passed  from  lip  to  lip,  until  the 
Council  of  Trent  (I  believe  it  was)  concluded  that  some- 
thing had  better  be  written  about  those  five  extra  sacra- 
ments. I  wonder  that  was  never  thought  of  before.  It 
is  surprising  that  it  never  occurred  to  the  apostles,  when 
they  were  writing  their  Epistles,  to  say  a  syllable  about 
these  seven  sacraments.  I  may  be  very  hard  to  please, 
but  I  cannot  help  feeling  a  desire  to  have  Scripture,  as 
well  as  unwritten  tradition,  in  support  of  a  doctrine  or 
practice  called  Christian.  I  like  to  be  able  to  trace  a 
doctrine  all  the  way  back  to  the  Bible,  and  to  find  it 
originating  in  tho  very  oracles  of  God  themselves."-— 
Thoughts  on  Popery. 


Of  the  Nature  and  Use  of  Baptism. 

Q.  94.  WHAT  is  BAPTISM? 

Baptism  is  a  sacrament,  wherein  the  washing 
with  water,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  doth  signify  and  seal 
our  ingrafting  into  Christ,  and  partaking  of  the 
benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  our  engage- 
ment to  be  the  Lord's. 


THE    NATURE   AND    USE    OF    BAPTISM.  225 


What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Water  is  the  sign  to  be  used  in  Baptism. — Acts,  x.  47. 
Can  any  man  forbid  water,  that  these  should  not  be  bap- 
tized ? 

2.  Baptism  is  to  be  administered  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. — Mat.  xxviii.  19.     Bap- 
tizing them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

3.  The  ingrafting  of  believers  into  Christ  is  signified  by 
baptism. — 1  Cor.  xii.  13.      By  one  spirit  are  we   all  bap- 
tized into  one  body. 

4.  Baptism  seals  the  ingrafting  of  believers  into  Christ. 
— Gal.  iii.  27.     As  many  of  you  as  have  been  baptized 
into  Christ,  have  put  on  Christ. 

5.  Baptism  signifies  our  having  a  right  to  the  benefits  of 
the  covenant  of  grace. — Acts,  ii.   38.     'Repent  and  be  bap- 
tized every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  for 
the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

6.  The  Christian,  in  baptism,  engages  to  be  the  Lord's. — 
Rom.  vi.  4.     We  are  buried  with  him  by  baptism  into 
death ;  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  up  from  the  dead 
by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should  walk 
in  newness  of  life. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  signification  of  baptism,  as  above 
described,  relates  only  to  believers,  and  not  to  all  per- 
sons, infants  or  adults,  that  have  been  baptized.  (2.)  That 
it  does  not  secure  regeneration,  or  a  religious  and  holy 
character,  but  is  merely  an  outward  symbol  or  sign  of 
the  necessity  of  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  pro- 
duce it.  (3.)  It  implies,  therefore,  the  doctrine  that  we 
are  born  depraved  beings — or  that  we  have  a  sinful 
nature,  which  requires  morally  to  be  made  new,  or  re- 
generated. (3.)  It  is  also  regarded  as  showing  the  need 
of  our  being  cleansed  from  the  guilt  of  sin,  or  delivered 
from  its  condemning  power,  by  the  atoning  blood  of 


226     THE  NATURE  AND  USE  OF  BAPTISM. 

Christ.  (4.)  It  signifies  that  the  baptized  person  is  re- 
cognized as  owing  supreme  love  and  devotion  to  the 
Father,  Son,  and  Spirit;  and  if  he  be  an  adult  person, 
solemnly  promises  to  exercise  such  devotion  and  love.  It 
is  also  a  profession  of  faith  in  the  doctrine  of  the  Holy 
Trinity  and  of  the  several  offices  and  relations  of  the 
persons  of  the  Trinity,  concerning  man's  salvation.  (5.) 
It  is  a  sign  of  admission  into  the  visible  church — an  out- 
ward "engrafting  into  Christ" — into  his  "body" — the 
Church ;  and  further,  a  pledge  of  future  conformity  to  all 
the  laws  and  institutions  of  Christ,  for  the  conduct  and 
sanctification  of  the  church.  (6.)  The  distinction  be- 
tween baptism  as  a  sign  and  seal,  is  to  be  understood.  To 
some  it  is  a  sign  merely ;  to  others,  that  is,  to  true  be- 
lievers, it  is  both  a  sign  and  a  seal.  (7.)  That  the  rite  of 
baptism  does  not  possess  an  efficacy  to  remove  original 
sin,  as  some  falsely  claim,  for  in  that  case  all  baptized  per- 
sons would  lead  a  holy  life,  and  be  free  from  the  miseries 
that  sin  has  introduced.  (8.)  That  baptized  persons, 
whether  children  or  grown-up  persons,  should  not  be 
worldly-minded,  unbelieving,  and  impenitent,  but  are 
justly  expected  to  be  sincere  and  cheerful  followers  and 
worshippers  of  Jesus  Christ. 

What  Illustration  can  you  relate? 

IMPORT  OF  THE  BAPTISMAL  COVENANT. — The  Rev.  PHILIP 
HENRY,  for  the  use  of  his  children,  prepared  this  short  form 
of  words,  showing  what  is  implied  in  baptism ;  taught  it 
to  his  children,  required  them  to  repeat  it  every  Sabbath 
evening,  after  their  recitation  of  the  Catechism,  and  was 
wont  to  add :  "  So  say,  and  so  do,  and  you  are  made  for 
ever :" — "  I  take  God  the  Fatherf  to  be  my  chiefest  good 
and  highest  end.  I  take  God  the  Son  to  be  my  Prince 
and  Saviour.  I  take  God  the  Holy  Ghost  to  be  my 
Sanctifier,  Teacher,  Comforter,  and  Guide.  I  take  the 


THE   SUBJECTS    OF   BAPTISM.  227 

"Word  of  God  to  be  my  rule  in  all  my  actions.  And  the 
people  of  God  to  be  my  people  in  all  conditions.  I  do, 
likewise,  devote  and  dedicate  unto  the  Lord  my  whole 
self,  all  I  am,  all  I  have,  and  all  I  can  do.  And  this  I  do 
deliberately,  sincerely,  freely,  and  for  ever."  He  also 
took  pains  with  his  children  to  lead  them  into  the  under- 
standing of  it,  and  to  persuade  them  to  a  free  and  cheer- 
ful consent  to  it.  And  when  they  grew  up,  he  made  them 
all  write  it  over  severally  with  their  own  hands,  and  very 
solemnly  set  their  names  to  it,  which  he  told  them  he 
would  keep  by  him,  and  it  should  be  produced  as  a  testi- 
mony against  them,  in  case  they  should  afterwards  do- 
part  from  God,  and  turn  from  following  after  him. 

Of  the  Subjects  of  Baptism. 

Q.    95.   To  WHOM  IS   BAPTISM   TO   BE   ADMINISTERED  ? 

Baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any  that  are 
out  of  the  visible  church,  till  they  profess  their 
faith  in  Christ,  and  obedience  to  him  ;  but  the  in 
fants  of  such  as  are  members  of  the  visible  church 
are  to  be  baptized. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any  who  are  not 
members  of  Christ's  church,  till  they  profess  their  faith  in 
him. — Acts,  viii.  36,  37.     What  doth  hinder  me  to  be  bap- 
tized ?     And  Philip  said,  If  thou  believest  with  all  thy 
heart,  thou  mayest. 

2.  A  profession  of  future  obedience  to  Christ  is  necessary, 
previous  to  baptism. — 1    Pet.  iii.    21.       The   like  figure 
whereunto  even  baptism^doth  also  now  save  us,  (not  the 
putting  away  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of 
a  good  conscience  toward  God,)  by  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

3.  Children  of  believing  parents  are  proper  subjects  of 


228        ,  THE    SUBJECTS   OF   BAPTISM. 

baptism,  as  God  bestows  on  many  of  them  the  blessings  which 
it  signifies. — Luke,  xviii.  16.  Suffer  little  children  to  come 
unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the  king- 
dom of  God. 

4.  Children  of  believing  parents  are  entitled  to  the  sign 
of  the  covenant,  as  God  has  given  them  the  promises  of  it. — 
Acts,  ii.  39.     The  promise  is  unto  you  and  to  your  chil- 
dren. 

5.  Children  are  to  be  considered  ceremonially  holy,  and 
are  entitled  to  the  sign  of  the  covenant,  by  the  profession  and 
membership  of  only  one  of  their  parents. — 1  Cor.  vii.  14. 
The  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by  the  wife,  and 
the  unbelieving  wife  is  sanctified  by  the  husband :  else 
were  your  children  unclean ;  but  now  are  they  holy. 

6.  The  infants  of  a  family  are  entitled  to  the  sign  of  the 
covenant,  on  the  profession  and  baptism  of  their  parent. — 
Acts,  xvi.  33.      Was  baptized,  he  and  all  his,   straight- 
way. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  The  nature  of  infant  baptism.  It  is  suited 
to  remind  the  children  that  they  belong  to  God,  have 
been  devoted  to  his  service,  and  have  no  right  to  live  a 
worldly  and  sinful  life.  (2.)  It  helps  parents,  and  the 
church,  and  the  pastor,  to  be  faithful  in  their  endeavors 
so  to  pray  for,  watch  over,  instruct,  and  guide  them,  that 
by  God's  grace  they  may  become  real  disciples  of  Christ, 
and  an  honor  to  the  Christian  Church  into  which  baptism 
openly  admits  them.  (3.)  No  baptized  person  can  remain 
an  enemy  of  Christ,  or  impenitent,  without  a  shocking 
violation  of  God's  solemn  ordinance. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1.  THE  ROMISH  IDEA  OF  BAPTISM. — As  stated  by  Chal- 
loner,  a  Roman  Catholic  writeH  the  effects  of  baptism, 
when  duly  administered,  are  these : — It  washes  away 
original  sin  ;  it  remits  all  actual  sin ;  it  infuses  the  habit 
of  divine  grace  into  the  soul ;  it  gives  a  right  and  title 


THE    SUBJECTS   OF   BAPTISM.  229 

to  heaven;  it  makes  us  children  and  inemhers  of  the 
church.  "Now,  sir,"  (remarks  "Kirwan"  in  his  Letters 
to  Archbishop  Hughes,)  "I  have  no  sense  by  which  I  can 
perceive  how  the  application  of  water  by  a  priest,  or  a 
minister,  or  a  cure,  or  a  midwife,  can  accomplish  all  this, 
whilst  testimony  to  the  contrary  addresses  itself  to  all  my 
senses.  Christ  died  for  the  sins  of  all  that  believe  in 
him;  it  is  faith  in  Christ  that  secures  the  washing  away 
of  original  and  actual  sin ;  and  faith  is  the  exercise  of  a 
heart  renewed  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  Being  justified  by 
faith  we  have  peace  with  God,  and  a  title  to  heaven. 
All  this  I  can  understand-;  but  how  your  dipping  three 
times  in  water  can  do  all  this,  I  see  not.  "What  the  Bible 
attributes  to  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  to  the  exercise  of  true 
faith,  you  claim  for  the  Sacrament  of  Baptism.  If  your 
doctrine  of  baptismal  regeneration  is  true,  what  a  singu- 
lar commentary  we  have  of  it  in  the  lives  of  your  people ! 
What  singular  manifestations  of  the  habits  of  divine 
grace  which  your  baptism  infuses  into  the  soul,  you  see 
daily  among  your  people !  I  only  wonder  that  the  facts 
in  the  case  have  not  long  since  exploded  your  doctrine, 
and  led  you  back  to  the  simplicity  of  the  sacrament  as 
taught  in  the  Bible !" 

2.  History  of  the  Rite  of  Baptism. — There  never  was 
any  age,  at  least  since  Abraham,  (says  Dr.  Wall,)  in  which 
the  children,  whether  of  Jews  or  proselytes,  that  were 
admitted  into  covenant,  had  not  some  badge  or  sign  of 
such  their  admission.  The  male  children  of  Abraham's 
race  were  entered  by  circumcision.  The  whole  body  of 
the  Jews,  men,  women,  and  children,  were,  in  Moses'  time, 
baptized.  After  which,  the  male  children  of  proselytes, 
that  were  entered  with  their  parents,  were,  as  well  as 
their  parents,  admitted  by  circumcision,  baptism,  and  a 
sacrifice — the  female  children  by  a  baptism  and  a  sacri- 
fice, K"ow,  after  that  circumcision  and  sacrifice  were  to 
20 


230  THE   NATURE   AND    USE 

be  abolished,  under  the  Gospel  dispensation,  there  was 
nothing  left  but  baptism  or  washing,  for  a  sign  of  the 
covenant,  and  of  professing  religion.  This  our  Saviour 
took,  probably  as  being  the  easiest  and  the  least  operose 
(laborious)  of  all  the  rest ;  and  as  being  common  to  both 
sexes,  making  no  difference  of  male  or  female,  and  en- 
joined it  to  all  who  should  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
And  St.  Paul  does  plainly  intimate  to  the  Colossians, 
(Col.  ii.  11,  12,)  that  it  served  them  instead  of  circum- 
cision, calling  it  the  circumcision  of  Christ,  or  Christian 
circumcision. — Hist.  Inf.  Baptism,  v.  1,  p.  90. 

3.  Origen,  who  possessed  more  information  than  any 
man  of  his  day,  and  who  lived  near  the  time  of  the 
apostles,  says :  "  The  church  received  a  tradition,  or  order, 
from  the  apostles,  to  give  baptism  to  little  children  also." 
Augustine,  who  was  born  in  the  middle  of  the  fourth 
century,  affirms :  "  The  whole  Church  practises  infant 
baptism.  It  was  not  instituted  by  councils,  it  was  al» 
ways  in  use."  Pelagius,  who  lived  at  the  same  time,  and 
who  had  visited  the  most  noted  churches  in  Europe,  Asia, 
and  Africa,  declares  tbat  he  never  heard  of  any  one,  even 
the  most  impious  heretic,  who  asserted  that  infants  were 
not  to  be  baptized.  Dr.  Gill  himself,  one  of  the  most 
learned  of  the  Baptist  writers,  acknowledges  that  infant 
baptism  was  the  practice  of  the  church  universally,  from 
the  third  to  the  eleventh  century. — Cogswell's  Theol.  Class 
Book. 

Of  the  Nature  and  Use  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Q.  96.  WHAT  is  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER? 

The  Lord's  supper  is  a  sacrament,  wherein,  by 
giving  and  receiving  bread  and  wine,  according  to 
Christ's  appointment,  his  death  is  showed  forth; 


OF  THE  LORDS  SUPPER.  231 

and  the  worthy  receivers  are,  not  after  a  corporal 
and  carnal  manner,  but  by  faith,  made  partakers  of 
his  body  and  blood,  with  all  his  benefits,  to  their 
spiritual  nourishment  and  growth  in  grace. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Bread  is  appointed  to  be  one  of  the  elements  of  the 
Lord's  Supper. — Luke,  xxii.  19.     He  took  bread,  and  gave 
thanks,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  unto  them. 

2.  Wine  is  appointed  as  the  other  element  to  be  used  in  the 
Lord's  Supper. — Mat.  xxvi.  27.      He  took  the  cup,  and 
gave  thanks,  and  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all 
of  it. 

3.  Christ's  death  is  shoived  forth  by  giving  and  receiving 
bread  and  wine  in  the  sacrament  of  the  Supper. — 1  Cor.  xi. 
26.     As  oft  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do 
show  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come. 

4.  It  is  not  in  a  corporal  or  carnal  manner  that  Christ's 
body  and  blood  are  received  in  the  sacrament. — 1  Cor.  x.  16. 
The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  com- 
munion of  the  blood  of  Christ?      The  bread   which  we 
break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ  ? 

5.  The  body  and  blood  of  Christ  in  the  sacrament  are  re- 
ceived by  faith. — John,  vi.  35.     I  am  the  bread  of  life  :  he 
that  cometh  to  me  shall  never  hunger ;  and  he  that  be- 
lie veth  on  me  shall  never  thirst. 

6.  Christians    in  the  sacrament  are  made  partakers  of 
Christ  and  all  his  benefits. — John,  vi.  51.     I  am  the  living 
bread  which  came  down  from  heaven.     If  any  man  eat 
of  this  bread,  he  shall  live  for  ever :  and  the  bread  that 
I  will  give  is  my  flesh,  which  I  will  give  for  the  life  of 
the  world. 

7.  Spiritual  nourishment  is  conferred  in  the  sacrament. — 
John,  vi.  55.     My  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is 
drink  indeed. 

8.  The  Christian  is  enabled  to  grow  in  grace  by  worthily 
partaking  of  the  Lord's  Supper. — John,  iv.  14.     The  water 
tKat  I  shall  give  him,  shall  be  in  him  a  well  of  water 
springing  up  into  everlasting  life. 


232  THE   NATURE   AND    USE 

What  Lessons  do^you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  in  this  sacrament  Christians  do  not 
eafc  and  drink  the  real  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  as  the 
Romanists  believe;  and  that  the  observance  is  useful, 
only  as  exciting  the  mind  to  an  affectionate  remembrance 
of  the  sufferings  of  Christ  as  the  procuring  cause  of  all 
our  spiritual  blessings.  (2.)  That  those  Christians  who 
neglect,  or  do  not  take  pains  properly  to  observe  this 
ordinance,  are  guilty  not  only  of  a  great  disrespect  and 
want  of  love  to  Christ,  but  of  a  great  disregard  to  their 
own  spiritual  welfare  and  comfort.  (3.)  That  true  love 
to  Christ  will  prompt  us  to  show  forth  the  fact  of  his 
death,  both  in  honor  of  him,  and  for  the  salvation  of  men. 
(4.)  That  this  ordinance  is  not  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  as  the 
Romanists  pretend,  but  a  symbol  or  remembrance  of  the 
one  sacrifice  for  sin,  which  Jesus  offered  once  for  all. 

What  Illustrations  are  offered? 

1.  THE  MASS. — It  never  occurs  to  the  Christian  reader 
of  the  Scriptures  that  by  the  mass,  Catholics  can  mean 
the  transaction  recorded  by  Matthew  in  his  26th  chapter, 
and  by  three  other  sacred  writers,  and  which  we  com- 
monly speak  of  as  the  institution  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
But  that  is  what  they  mean  by  it.  Then,  they  tell  us, 
the  first  mass  was  said.  In  the  Douay  Catechism  we  find 
these  questions  and  answers :  Q.  Who  said  the  first  mass  ? 
A.  Jesus  Christ.  Q.  When  did  he  say  it  ?  A.  At  his 
last  supper.  Here  it  is,  question  and  answer  for  it,  if  not 
chapter  and  verse.  The  Biblical  reader  will  please  to 
bear  in  mind,  whenever  hereafter  he  reads  the  narrative 
of  the  transaction,  that  the  writer  is  giving  an  account 
of  the  first  mass  that  was  ever  said.  But  what  do  they 
mean  by  the  mass?  The  "Christian's  Guide"  says,  on 
the  subject:  "I  profess,  likewise,  that  in  the  mass  there 


OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.       233 

is  offered  to  God  a  true,  proper,  and  propitiatory  sacrifice 
for  the  living  and  the  dead."  Christ  offered  it  first  when 
he  said  mass,  and  every  priest  now  offers  it  when  he 
says  mass.  *  *  *  *  *  The  Catholics 
say  that  when  Christ  performed  these  actions  with  the 
bread  and  wine,  he  offered  himself  to  God  as  a  propitiatory 
sacrifice.  How  does  what  he  did  bear  the  least  resemblance 
to  the  offering  of  a  propitiatory  sacrifice  ?  There  was 
no  bloodshed — no  life  taken — as  was  the  case  in  all  pro- 
pitiatory sacrifices  under  the  law-;  and  in  the  sacrifice 
which  Christ  made  of  himself  on  the  cross,  and  which  has 
always,  by  Pagans,  as  well  as  the  disciples  of  the  true  re- 
ligion, been  considered  essential  to  a  propitiatory  sacrifice. 
I  confess  there  was  something  offered.  Bread  and  wine 
were  offered.  These  might  constitute  a  eucharistic  sacri- 
fice, but  never  a  propitiatory  one.  *  *  *  A 
sacrifice,  to  be  a  sacrifice,  must  be  offered  to  God,  as  even 
the  quotation  from  the  "  Christian's  Guide "  recognizes. 
But  what  was  offered  in  this  case  was  offered  to  the  dis- 
ciples. "  Take  eat,"  he  said  to  them.  It  is  true  the  bread 
and  wine  were  offered  to  them  as  the  memorial  of  a  sacri- 
fice in  which  the  body  of  Christ  was  to  be  broken  and 
his  blood  shed ;  but  the  memorial  of  a  sacrifice  is  not  a 
sacrifice.  The  emblematical  representation  of  a  thing  is 
not  the  thing  itself.  Plainly  there  was  no  sacrifice  in  this 
transaction.  But  again,  if  Christ  in  the  eucharist  offered 
himself  a  sacrifice  to  God,  as  they  affirm,  and  afterwards, 
as  all  admit,  offered  himself  on  the  cross,  then  he  twice 
offered  himself;  and  if  so,  the  writer  of  the  Epistle  to 
the  Hebrews  was  under  a  great  mistake,  for  he  says, 
*'  Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of  many  " — "  we 
are  sanctified  through  the  offering  of  the  body  of  Jesus 
Christ,  once  for  all."  Here  is  a  contradiction.  Which  shall 
we  believe  ?  The  apostle  of  the  Gentiles  or  the  Catholic 
Church  ?  *  *  *  *  But  if  the  Catholic 

20* 


234  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

doctrine  be  true,  Christ  has  been  offered  not  twice  only, 
but  innumerable  times.  In  every  mass  that  ever  has  been 
said,  he  has  been  offered. — NevM  Thoughts  on  Popery. 

2.  HOW    DO  YOU    REMEMBER  CHRIST  ? — Some    who    profeSS 

respect,  and  indeed  love,  for  Christ,  remember  Christ  in 
their  own  way,  but  not  in  his  way.  They  do  some  things 
in  remembrance  of  him,  but  not  that  which  he  said  "  do." 
I  wonder,  (says  Dr.  Nevin,)  they  do  not  adopt  his  way.  I 
cannot  help  suspecting  their  love  when  I  see  they  do  not. 
It  always  appeared  to  me  that  such  a  benefactor  as  Christ 
ought  to  be  remembered,  and  that  sinners  whom  he  died 
to  save,  should  remember  him  in  that  way,  even  though 
it  should  not  seem  to  them  the  most  appropriate  and 
reasonable  manner  of  commemorating  him. — Practical 
Thoughts. 

3.  His  LAST  WISH. — It  is  enough  for  me,  (says  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Nevin,)  that  my  Saviour  inclined  to  this  mode  of 
being  remembered,  and  expressed  such  a  wish  :  the  least  I 
can  do,  is  to  comply  with  it.     He  did  not  express  a  great 
many  wishes.     I  cannot  help  regarding  it  as  unkind,  that 
this  one  wish  of  Jesus  should  not  be  complied  with ;  and 
especially  when  I  consider  what  a  friend  he  was — what  a 
benefactor.  *         *  *  *          *  All  his 
wishes,  I  think,  should  be  complied  with ;    but  this  was 
his  last.     He  was  going  to  suffer ;  he  was  to  die  in  a  few 
hours ; — and  such  a  death  too  !  and  for  them  of  whom  he 
made  the  request,  that  they  might  never  die.       *  * 
*           *           *           *        I  wonder  those  words,  "  broken 
for  you,"  do  not  break  the  heart  of  every  one  who  re- 
fuses.— Practical  Thoughts. 

4.  HALF  A  SACRAMENT  ! — Who  ever    heard  of  such   a 
thing  ?    A  sacrament  divided !     Yes,  even  so.     The  au- 
thorities of   the  Roman  Catholic  Church,   Pope,  Council, 
&c.,  have  divided  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
which  our  Lord  instituted  the  same  night  in  which  he 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  235 

was  betrayed ;  and  ever  since  the  Council  of  Constance, 
they  have  allowed  the  people  only  half  of  it.  *  * 
*  *  *  *  But  did  not  Christ  give  the  cup, 

in  the  original  institution  of  the  sacrament,  to  as  many 
as  he  gave  the  bread  ?  Yes,  Christ  did.  So  say  Matthew, 
Mark,  Luke,  and  Paul.  He  took  the  cup,  they  tell  us, 
and  gave  it  to  them;  and  Matthew  adds  that  he  said  in 
giving  it,  "  Drink  ye  all  of  it."  Let  not  this  be  omitted 
by  any  disciple.  It  would  seem  as  if  Christ  foresaw 
what  the  Constantine  Council  were  going  to  do,  and 
therefore  said,  "  Drink  ye  all  of  it."  Rome  might,  with 
much  more  plausibility,  have  denied  her  laity  the  other 
half  of  the  sacrament — the  bread.  *  *  *  There 
can  be  no  such  thing  in  reality  as  half  a  sacrament :  to 
divide  a  sacrament,  is  to  destroy  it. — Thoughts  on  Popery. 

Of  the  Proper  Observance  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Q.  97.  WHAT  is  REQUIRED  TO  THE  WORTHY  RECEIVING  OF 
THE  LORD'S  SUPPER? 

It  is  required  of  them  that  would  worthily  par- 
take of  the  Lord's  Supper,  that  they  examine 
themselves  of  their  knowledge  to  discern  the 
Lord's  body,  of  their  faith  to  feed  upon  him,  of 
their  repentance,  love,  and  new  obedience  ;  lest, 
coming  unworthily,  they  eat  and  drink  judgment 
to  themselves. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Self-examination  is  required  of  all  who  would  worthily 
partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper. — 1  Cor.  xi.  28.     Let  a  man 
examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and 
drink  of  that  cup. 

2.  Communicants  should  examine  themselves  as  to  their 


236  THE    PROPER    OBSERVANCE 

knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord's  body. — 1  Cor.  xi.  29.  Eateth 
and  drinketh  damnation  (or  judgment)  to  himself,  not 
discerning  the  Lord's  body. 

3.  Communicants  should  examine  themselves  as  to  their 
faith. — 2  Cor.  xiii.  5.     Examine  yourselves  whether  ye 
be  in  the  faith. 

4.  Communicants  should  examine  themselves  as  to  their 
repentance. — Lam.  iii.  40.      Let  us  search  and  try  our 
ways,  and  turn  again  to  the  Lord. 

5.  Communicants  should  examine  themselves  as  to  their 
love. — 1  John,  iv.  8.      He  that  loveth  not,  knoweth  not 
God ;  for  God  is  love. 

6.  Communicants  should  examine  themselves  as  to  their 
new  obedience. — 1  Cor.  v.  8.     Let  us  keep  the  feast,   not 
with  old  leaven,  neither  with  the  leaven  of  malice   and 
wickedness ;  but  with  the  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity 
and  truth. 

7.  For  communicants  to  neglect  the  duty  of  self-examina- 
tion is  dangerous. — 1  Cor.  xi.  31.     If  we  would  judge  our- 
selves, we  should  not  be  judged. 

8.  Communicating  unworthily,  exposes  us  to  the  judgments 
of  God. — 1  Cor.  xi.  29.     He  that  eateth  and  drinketh  un- 
worthily, eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  (or  judgment) 
to  himself, 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  much  careful  thought  should  precede 
an  attendance  at  the  Lord's  Table.  (2.)  That  the  public 
preparatory  lecture  may  be  highly  useful.  (3.)  That  I 
should  pray  much  for  God's  presence  and  blessing  at  the 
ordinance,  and  should  read  such  religious  books,  and 
such  portions  of  Scripture,  as  treat  of  the  sufferings  of 
Christ,  with  a  view  to  raise  in  my  soul  devout  affections 
suited  to  the  occasion. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  relate  ? 

1.  THE  French,  particularly  the  army,  had  great  attach- 
ment to  Bonaparte.  Said  he,  "At  Arcola,  when  I  was  ad 
vancing,  Col.  Meuron,  my  aide-de-camp,  threw  himself 


OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.       287 

before  me,  covered  me  with  his  body,  and  received  the 
wound  which  was  destined  for  me.  He  fell  at  my  feet, 
and  his  blood  spouted  up  in  my  face.  He  gave  his  life  to 
preserve  mine."  What,  then,  should  not  the  Christian 
soldier  be  willing  to  do  for  Christ,  the  Captain  of  his  sal- 
vation, leading  him  on  to  no  dubious  victory  ? 

2.  THE  PRESENCE  OF  CHRIST. — Jesus,  at  the  right  hand 
of  the  Father,  is  yet  present  with  all  his  younger  brethren 
and  sisters  in  this  vale  of  weeping.     His  human  nature  is 
at  the  right  hand  of  God  upon  the  throne — a  lamb  as  it 
had  been  slain.     But  his  divine  nature  is  unlimited,  fills 
all  worlds,  and  is  present  in  every  dwelling  of  every  dis- 
ciple in  this  world.     His  Divine  nature  thus  brings  in 
continual  information  to  his  human  heart  of  anything 
that  is  going  on  in  the  heart  and  history  of  his  people ;  so 
that  his  human  heart  beats  towards  us  just  as  if  he  were 
sitting  by  our  side. — M'Cheyne. 

3.  After  receiving  the  second  time  the  Lord's  Supper, 
M'Cheyne  writes  in  his  journal :  "I  well  remember  when 
I  was  an  enemy,  and  especially  abhorred  this  ordinance  as 
binding  me  down  ;  but  if  I  be  bound  to  Christ  in  heart,  I 
shall  not  dread  any  bands  that  can  draw  me  close  to 
him." 

4.  Says  the  Rev.  Thomas  Adam,  "  I  do  not  go  to  the 
Lord's  Table  to  give,  but  to  receive ;  not  to  tell  Christ 
how  good  /  am,  bnt  to  think  how  good  he  is.     The  words 
are,    *  Do  this  in  remembrance  of  me,'  as  if  the  Saviour 
said :  '  Remember  who  I  am,  and  what  thou  art ;  remem- 
ber me  as  thy  Saviour — as  thy  Master ;  remember  my 
love,  and  thy  obligations ;  remember  me  as  hating  thy 
sin,  as  bearing  thy  sin ;  remember  me,  and  fear  not ;  re- 
member me,  and  sin  not ;  remember  me  to  live  for  me, 
by  me,  with  me.' " 


238          THE  NATURE  OF  PRAYER. 

Of  the  Nature  of  Prayer. 
Q.  98.  WHAT  is  PRAYER? 

Prayer  is  an  offering  up  of  our  desires  unto  God 
for  things  agreeable  to  his  will,  in  the  name  of 
Christ,  with  confession  of  our  sins,  and  thankful 
acknowledgment  of  his  mercies. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  Prayer  is  the  offering  up  of  our  desires. — Psal.  Ixii.  8. 
Pour  out  your  heart  before  God. 

2.  Prayer  must  be  offered  up  to  the  true  God. — Isa.  xlv. 
22,  23.     Look  unto  nie,  and  be  ye  saved,  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth  :  for  I  am  God,  and  there  is  none  else. — I  have 
sworn  by  myself,  and  the  word  is  gone  out  of  my  mouth 
in  righteousness,  and  shall  not  return,  That  unto  me  every 
knee  shall  bow,  every  tongue  shall  swear. 

3.  Prayer  must  be  sincere. — Jer.  xxix.  13.     And  ye  shall 
seek  me  and  find  me,  when  ye  shall  search  for  me  with 
all  your  heart. 

4.  Prayer  must  be  frequent. — 1  Thess.  v.  17.     Pray  with- 
out ceasing. 

5.  Prayer  must  be  offered  up  for  things  only  which  are 
agreeable  to   God's  will. — 1  John,  v.  14.     If  we  ask  any- 
thing according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us. 

6.  Prayer^must  be  offered  up  in  the  name  of  Christ. — 
John,  xvi.  23.     Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my 
name,  he  will  give  it  you. 

7.  Prayer  must  be  offered  up  with  confession  of  sin.—* 
Dan.  ix.  4.     1  prayed  unto  the  Lord  my  God,  and  made 
my  confession. 

8.  Prayer  must  be  offered  up  with  thanksgiving. — Phil. 
iv.  6.     By  prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let 
your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God, 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  1 

I  learn  (1.)  That  the  words  of  prayer,  however  proper 
and  scriptural,  do  not  amount  to  prayer  if  they  do  not 


THE  NATURE  OF  PRAYER.         239 

express  the  feelings  of  my  heart.  (2.)  That  it  is  a  great 
insult  to  God  to  address  him  in  the  language  of  prayer, 
without  corresponding  desires;  in  the  language  of  con- 
fession, without  humility  and  penitence  for  the  sins  con- 
fessed; in  the  language  of  praise,  without  an  adoring 
sense  of  the  divine  goodness  and  condescension  for  the 
mercies  acknowledged.  (3.)  That  I  can  obtain  blessings 
by  prayer  only  through  the  mediation  and  grace  of  Christ. 
(4.)  That  they  who  do  not  pray  in  the  method  required 
above,  practically  deny  their  dependence  on  God,  their 
indebtedness  to  God,  their  sinfulness  and  their  need  of 
Christ's  favor.  (5.)  That  not  only  private,  but  family 
prayer,  .is  a  duty  and  a  privilege. 

What  Illustrations  are  offered  ? 

1.  CAUSE  FOR  THANKSGIVING.— At  a  meeting  of  ministers, 
as  they  were  inquiring  after  each  other's  welfare,  one 
said,  "  I  feel  that  I  have  peculiar  occasion  for  thanks- 
giving that  I  am  here,  for  my  life  was  brought  into  great 
peril  by  an  accident  on  the  way."     "  And  I,"  said  another, 
"  have  surely  still  greater  cause  for  thanksgiving,  seeing 
that  I  was  brought  all' the  way  hither  without  any  accident 
at  all." 

2.  M'Gheyneon  Confession. — He  says :  "  I  am  persuaded 
that  I  ought  to  confess  my  sins  more.     I  think  I  ought  to 
confess  sin  the  moment  I  see  it  to  be  sin ;  whether  I  am 
in  company,  or  in  study,  the  soul  ought  to  cast  a  glance 
of  abhorrence  at  the  sin.     If  I  go  on  with  the  duty,  bear- 
ing the  sin   unconfessed,  I  go  on  with  a  burdened  con- 
science, and  add  sin  to  sin.      **#**! 
ought  to  confess  often  the  sins  of  my  youth,  like  David 
and  Paul — my  sins  before  conversion,  my  sins  since  con- 
version— sins  against  light  and  knowledge — against  love 
and  grace — against  each  person  of  the  Godhead.     I  ought 
to  look  at  my  sins  in  the  light  of  the  Holj  Law — in  the 


240          THE  NATURE  OF  PRAYER. 

light  of  God's  countenance — in  the  light  of  the  Cross — in 
the  light  of  the  Judgment-seat — in  the  light  of  Hell — in 
the  light  of  eternity."  He  further  says:  "I  ought  to 
examine  my  dreams,  my  floating  thoughts — my  predilec- 
tions— my  often-recurring  actions — my  habits  of  thought, 
feeling,  speech,  and  action — the  slanders  of  my  enemies — 
and  the  reproofs  and  even  banterings  of  my  friends — to 
find  out  traces  of  my  prevailing  sin — matter  for  confess- 
ion. I  ought  to  have  a  number  of  Scriptures  marked, 
to  bring  sin  to  remembrance.  I  ought,  on  Sabbath  even- 
ings, and  on  Communion  Sabbath  evenings,  to  be  especi- 
ally careful  to  confess  the  sins  of  holy  things. — Memoir, 
p.  135. 

3.  PRAYER  OF  A  ROOM-MATE. — The  celebrated  English 
preacher  and  writer,  JOHN  ANGEL  JAMES,  owed  his  con- 
version,   in  the  way  of  means,   to  the  sight  of  a  com- 
panion, who  slept  in  the  same  room  with  him,  bending 
his  knees  in  prayer  on  retiring  to  rest.     "  That  scene,  so 
unostentatious,  and  yet  so  unconcealed,"  says  he,  "  roused 
my  slumbering   conscience,  and    sent    an   arrow  to  my 
heart ;  for  though  I  had  been  religiously  educated,  I  had 
restrained  prayer,  and  cast  off  the  fear  of  God:  my  con- 
version to  God  followed,  and  soon  afterwards  my  entrance 
upon  college  studies  for  the  work  of  the  ministry." 

4.  DR.   CHALMERS    AND   HIS   DAUGHTER. — The  Rev.  Dr. 
Fletcher,  of  London,  having  preached  with  great  accept- 
ance to  children  in  Glasgow,  Dr.  Chalmers  invited  him  to 
breakfast  on  the  following  morning.     After  breakfast,  and 
family  worship,  Dr.  Chalmers  said  to  him,   "  Sir,  it  was 
not  an  invitation  founded  on  mere  compliment  that  I 
gave  you  last  evening  to  meet  me  this  morning ;  nor  was 
it  to  enjoy  your  conversation.     I  have  a  daughter  who 
appears  still  to  have  no  part  or  lot  with  the  people  of 
God.     If  there  be  any  human  instrumentality,  under  God, 
which  can  impress  her  mind,  I  believe  it  must  foe  wielded 


THE    RULE    OF   DIRECTION    IN    PRAYER.          241 

by  yourself.  I  will  call  her  in ;  and  while  you  are  speak- 
ing to  her,  an  agonized  father  will  be  speaking  to  his  God." 
The  result  was  her  hopeful  conversion. 

5.  LUTHER'S  PRAYERS. — "  No  day  passes,"  said  a  German 
pastor  in  1530,  "in  which  he  does  not  devote  at  least 
three  hours  to  prayer  and  meditation.  I  once  succeeded 
in  hearing  him  pray.  What  energy,  what  faith  in  his 
words !  He  prays  earnestly  as  a  man  communing  with 
God ;  and  with  such  trust  and  faith  as  a  man  conversing 
with  his  father." 

Of  the  Rule  of  Direction  in  Prayer. 
Q.  99.  WHAT  RULE  HATH  GOD  GIVEN  FOR  OUR  DIRECTION  ur 

PRAYER  ? 

The  whole  word  of  God  is  of  use  to  direct  us  in 
prayer;  but  the  special  rule  of  direction  is  that 
form  of  prayer  which  Christ  taught  his  disciples, 
commonly  called  The  Lord's  Prayer. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  young  and  unskilful  should  be  taught  to  pray. — 
Luke,  xi.  1.     Lord,  teach  us  to  pray,  as  John  also  taught 
his  disciples. 

2.  We  have  need  to  be  directed  in  prayer. — Rom.  viii.  26, 
We  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought. 

3.  The  whole  word  of  God  is  of  use  to  direct  us  in  prayer. 
-~-John,  xv.  7.     If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide  in 
you,  ye  shall  ask  what  ye  will,  and  it  shall  be  done  unto 
you. 

4.  The  Lord's  prayer  is  the  special  rule  given  us  for  our 
direction  in  prayer. — Mat.  vi.  9.     After  this  manner,  there- 
fore, pray  ye,  "  Our  Father,"  <fec. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  The  propriety  and  advantage  of  using  the 
21 


Lord's  Prayer  as  a  daily  help  in  my  devotion.  (2.)  To 
make  myself  familiar  with  all  those  other  parts  of  the 
Bible  which  may  both  supply  me  with  suitable  thoughts 
and  expressions  to  be  used  in  prayer,  and  show  with  what 
dispositions  and  aims  I  am  to  approach  my  God  in  this 
service.  (3.)  That  I  am  not  required  to  confine  myself  to 
any  particular  form  or  forms  of  prayer.  (4.)  That  hav- 
ing the  Bible  as  a  guide  and  help,  all  should  learn  to 
pray  with  propriety  and  acceptance,  (5.)  Those  who  do 
not  thus  pray,  are  without  excuse. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

L  Matthew  Hale,  once  Chief-Justice  of  England,  in  his 
Letters  to  his  Children,  says :  "  If  I  omit,  praying  and 
reading  a  portion  of  God's  blessed  word  in  the  morning, 
nothing  goes  well  with  me  all  day." 

2.  Dr.  Doddridge  used  often  to  say,  "  that  he  never  ad' 
vanced  well  in  human  learning  without  prayer,  and  that 
he  always  made  the  greatest  progress  in  his  studies  when 
he  prayed  with  the  greatest  fervency." 

3.  Towards  the  close  of  her  last  illness,  and  when  able 
only  to  speak  in  short  sentences,  Mrs.  Hannah  More  said 
to  a  little  girl,  in  whom  she  was  interested :  "  God  bless 
thee,  my  dear  child ;    love  God ;  serve  God ;  love  to  pray 
to  God  more  than  to  do  any  other  thing." 

4.  Says  PHILIP  HENRY  :  "  Let  prayer  be  the  key  of  the 
morning ',  and  the  bolt  of  the  night." 

Of  the  Preface  to  the  Lord's  Prayer. 

Q.  100.  WHAT  DOTH  THE  PREFACE  OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER 
TEACH  us? 

The  preface  of  the  Lord's  prayer,  (which  is, 
"  Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,")  teacheth  us  to 


THE  PREFACE  TO  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.    243 

draw  near  to  God  with  all  holy  reverence  and  con- 
fidence, as  children  to  a  father,  able  and  ready  to 
help  us:  and  that  we  should  pray  with  and  for 
others. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are,  in  prayer,  to  approach  God  with  holy  rever- 
ence.— Psal.  cxlv.  19.     He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them 
that  fear  him :  he  also  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save 
them. 

2.  We  are,  in  prayer,  to  approach   God  with  holy  con- 
fidence.— Eph.  iii.  12.     In  whom  we  have  boldness  and 
access  with  confidence. 

3.  We  are,  in  prayer,  to  approach  God  as  our  Father. — 
Rom.  viii.  15.     Ye  have  received  the  spirit  of  adoption, 
whereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Father. 

4.  We  are,  in  prayer,  to  approach  God  as  being  able  to 
help  us. — Eph  iii.  20.     Unto  him  who  is  able  to  do  ex- 
ceeding abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think. 

5.  We  are,  in  prayer,  to  approach  God  as  being  willing 
to  help  us. — Mat.  vii.   11.      How  much  more  shall  your 
Father  which  is  in  heaven  give  good  things  to  them  that 
ask  him. 

6.  We  are  to  join  with  others  in  grayer. — Acts,  xii.  12. 
Many  were  gathered  together,  praying. 

7.  We  are  to  pray  for  others. — 1  Tim.  ii.  1.      I  exhort 
therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  supplications,  prayers,  inter- 
cessions, and  giving  of  thanks  be  made  for  all  men. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  to  use  this  prayer  with  sincerity,  I 
must  be  a  child  of  God,  and  as  I  am  not  such  by  nature, 
I  must  be  "  born  again"  of  the  Spirit.  (2.)  That  I  shoiiM 
esteem  it  the  greatest  privilege  to  speak  to  such  a  Father 
as  this  prayer  addresses,  and  to  come  to  him  as  a  child. 
(3.)  Though  He  is  said  to  be  in  heaven,  yet  he  also  fills 
immensity,  so  that  he  is  always  near  me,  and  able  to 


244   THE  PREFACE  TO  THE  LORD  S  PRAYER. 

help  me.  (4.)  I  must  learn  to  confide  in  my  Heavenly 
Father  as  able  and  ready  to  help  his  children  when  they 
call  upon  him. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  give  ? 

1.  AN  AGED  POOR  MAN. — One  of  the  members  of  Christ's 
flock  was  reduced  to  great  poverty  in  his  helpless  old 
age,  and  yet  he  never  murmured.     A  kind-hearted  neigh- 
bor who  met  him  on  the  road,  said  to  him,  "  You  must  be 
badly  off.     I  cannot  tell  how  you  maintain  yourself  and 
your  wife ;  and  yet  you  are  always  cheerful."     "  Oh,  not 
so,"   replied  the  old  Christian ;  "  we  are  not  badly  off. 
"We  have  a  rich  Father,  and   he  does  not  suffer  us  to 
want."     "  Your  father  not  dead  yet !    he  must  be  very 
old  indeed."      "My  Father  never  dies,   and  he  always 
takes  care  of  me."      fhat  aged  Christian  was  a  daily 
pensioner  on  the  providence  of  his  merciful  and  covenant- 
keeping  God. 

2.  "  AH,  MASSA,  YOU  NO  UNDERSTAND  IT  !"    A  few  years 
since,  in  one  of  our  large  cities,  lived  a  poor  colored 
woman,  named  Betty,  who  had  been  confined  by  sickness 
for  near  twenty  years.     She  had  long  been  blind,  and 
was  said  to  be  105  years  old ;  was  noted  for  her  good 

sense   and  warm-hearted  piety.     Mr.  B ,  a  man  of 

wealth  and  large  business,  in  the  same  city,  often  took 
time  to  call  and  see  her.      His  voice,  and  even  his  step, 
had  become  familiar    to  her,  and  always  lighted  up  a 
smile  on  her  dark  and  wrinkled  face.     He  would  often 
say  some  pleasant  thing  to  cheer  this  lonely  pilgrim  on 

her  way  to  Zion.     One  day,  Mr.  B took  a  friend  from 

the  country  to  see  Betty.      As  he  entered  the  cottage 
door,  he  said,  "Ah,  Betty,  you  are  alive  yet."     "Yes, 
tank  God,"    said  Betty.      "Betty,"    said  he  in   a  half 
sportive  tone  and  manner,   "  why  do  you  suppose  God 
keeps  you  so  long  in  this  world,  poor,  and  sick,  and  blind, 


THE  FIRST  PETITION  IN  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.    245 

when  you  might  go  to  heaven,  and  enjoy  so  much?" 
Betty  assumed  her  most  serious  and  animated  tone,  and 
replied:  "Ah,  Massa,  you  no  understand  it.  Dere  be 
two  great  tings  to  do  for  de  church  ;  one  to  pray  for  it — 
toder  be  to  act  for  it.  Now,  Massa,  God  keeps  me  alive  to 
pray  for  de  Church,  and  he  keeps  you  alive  to  act  for  it. 
Your  great  gifts  no  do  much  good,  Massa,  without  poor 

Betty1  s prayers"     For  a  few  moments  Mr.  B and  his 

friend  stood  silent  and  astonished.  They  felt  the  knowl- 
edge and  the  dignity  of  this  short  sermon.  "  Yes,  Betty," 

replied  Mr.  B ,  in  the  most  serious  and  subdued  tones, 

"your  prayers  are  of  more  importance  to  the  church 
than  my  alms."  This  short  sermon,  preached  by  poor 

Betty,  was  never  forgotten  by  Mr.  B or  his  friend. 

It  made  them  more  humble,  more  prayerful,  and  more 
submissive  in  afflictions. — Abd.  from  Parents'  Magazine. 

Of  the  First  Petition  in  the  Lord's  Prayer. 

Q.  101.  WHAT  DO  WE  PRAY  FOR  IN  THE  FIRST  PETITION? 

In  the  first  petition,  which  is,  "  Hallowed  be  thy 
name;"  we  pray  that  God  would  enable  us  and 
others  to  glorify  him  in  all  that  whereby  he  maketh 
himself  known,  and  that  he  would  dispose  all 
things  to  his  own  glory. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in     is  Answer  ? 

1.  Without  God  we  are  of  ourselves  unable  to  glorify 
him. — 2  Cor.  iii.  5.     Not  that  we  are  sufficient  of  our- 
selves to  think  anything  as  of  ourselves ;  but  our  suffi- 
ciency is  of  God. 

2.  We  should  pray  that  God  would  enable  us  to  glorify 
him. — Psal.  ii.  15.     0  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my 
inouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise. 


246    THE  FIRST  PETITION  IN  THE  LORD*S  PRAYER. 

3.  We  should  pray  that  God  would  enable  others  to  glorify 
him. — Psal.  Ixvii.  3.     Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God ; 
Let  all  the  people  praise  thee. 

4.  We  should  pray  that  God  would  dispose  of  all  things 
for  the  glorifying   of  himself. — John,   xii.    28.      Father, 
glorify  thy  name. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  without  divine  help  I  cannot  enter- 
tain sufficiently  great,  and  noble,  and  devout  thoughts  of 
God,  nor  act  with  due  respect  and  awe  before  Him.  (2.) 
The  sin  of  hastily  and  without  some  preparation  of  mind, 
calling  upon  God  in  prayer.  (3.)  By  the  "name"  of 
God,  I  am  to  understand  God  himself,  by  whichever  of 
his  names  he  may  be  addressed,  or  thought  of.  (4.)  The 
great  and  shocking  sin  of  a  profane  use  or  mention  of  any 
of  the  names  by  which  God  is  made  known  to  us. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  give  ? 

1.  CHILDHOOD'S  PRAYER. — A  lady,  in  advanced  life,  thus 
writes  of  herself:    "I  left  home    at  the  age  of  eleven, 
alone  and  unaided,  to  gain  my  own  livelihood.     I  went 
to  sea  among  such  as  were  sailors  sixty  years  ago  ;  and 
all  that  prevented  me  from  ruin  was  the  prayer  which 
my  mother  had  taught  me  nightly.     And  old  as  I  now 
am,  not  a  night  passes  in  which  I  do  not  offer  the  Lord's 
Prayer ;  scarcely  a  night  without  the  simple  petition  of 
the  child — '  Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep,' "  &c.    Such  and 
so  powerful  were  the  early  teachings  of  a  mother,  and 
such  the  influence  of  this  prayer. 

2.  DAVID  BRAINERD. — Among  the  dying  sayings  of  this 
heavenly-minded  man,  President  Edwards  has  recorded 
the  following:     "My  heaven,  is    to    please    God,    and 
to    glorify    him,    and    give    all    to    him,   and    to    be 
wholly  devoted  to  his  glory ;  that  is  the  heaven  I  long 
for ;  that  is  my  religion ;  and  that  is  my  happiness,  and 


THE    SECOND    PETITION.  247 

always  was,  ever  since  I  suppose  I  had  any  true  religion  ; 
and  all  those  that  are  of  that  religion  shall  meet  me  in 
heaven,  I  do  not  go  to  heaven  to  be  advanced,  but  to 
give  honor  to  God.  It  is  no  matter  where  I  shall  be 
stationed  in  heaven,  whether  I  have  a  high  or  a  low  seat 
there ;  but  to  love,  and  please,  and  glorify  God  is  all." 


Of  the  Second  Petition. 

Q.  102.  WHAT  DO  WE  PRAY  FOR  IN  THE  -SECOND  PETI- 
TION? 

In  the  second  petition,  which  is,  "  Thy  kingdom 
come ;"  we  pray,  That  Satan's  kingdom  may  be 
destroyed ;  and  that  the  kingdom  of  grace  may  be 
advanced,  ourselves  and  others  brought  into  it,  and 
kept  in  it ;  and  that  the  kingdom  of  glory  may  be 
hastened. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  The  kingdom  of  the  universe  is  God's. — Psal.  ciii.  19. 
His  kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 

2.  Satan  has  a  kingdom  in  this  world. — John,  xiv.  30. 
The  prince  of  this  world  cometh,  and  hath  nothing  in. 
me. 

3.  We  should  pray  for  the  destruction  of  Satari  s  author- 
ity and  kingdom. — Psal.  Ixviii.  1.     Let  God  arise,  let  his 
enemies  be  scattered :  let  them  also  that  hate  him  flee 
before  him. 

4.  God  has  in  Christ  established  a  kingdom  of  grace  in 
the  world. — Luke,  i.  33.     He  shall  reign  over  the  house 
of  Jacob  for  ever ;  and  of  his  kingdom  there  shall  be  no 
end. 

5.  We  should  pray  for  the  advancement  of  the  kingdom  of 
grace. — Isa.  Ixh.  7.      Give  him  no  rest  till  he  establish, 
and  till  he  make  Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the  earth. 


248  THE    SECOND    PETITION. 

6.  We  should  pray  that  we  ourselves  be  made  subjects  of 
Christ's  kingdom. — Luke,  xxiii.  42.     Lord,  remember  me 
when  thou  comest  into  thy  kingdom. 

7.  We  should  pray  that  others  be  brought  into  the  king- 
dom of  grace. — Rom.  x.   1.      Brethren,  my  heart's  desire 
and  prayer  to  God  for   Israel  is,  that   they  might  be 
saved. 

8.  We  should  pray  that  God  would  keep  us  in  his  king- 
dom of  grace. — Psal.  exix.  117.     Hold  thou  me  up,  and  I 
shall  be  safe :  and  I  will  have  respect  unto  thy  statutes 
continually. 

9.  We  should  pray  that  God  would  keep  others  in  his  king- 
dom  of  grace. — 1   Thes.  v.   23.      I  pray  God  your  whole 
spirit,  and  soul,  and  body,  be  preserved  blameless  unto 
the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

10.  There  is  approaching  for  the  people  of  God  a  kingdom 
of  glory. — Rev.  xxii.  5.     There  shall  be  no  night  there ; 
and  they  need  no  candle,  neither  light  of  the  sun  ;  for 
the  Lord  God  giveth  them  light :  and  they  shall  reign  for 
ever  and  .ever. 

11.  We  should  pray  that  the  kingdom  of  glory  should  be 
hastened. — Rev.  xxii.  20.     He  which  testifieth  these  things 
saith,  Surely  I  come  quickly,   Amen.      Even  so,   come, 
Lord  Jesus. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  •  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  To  pray  that  the  gospel  may  be  every- 
where preached,  believed,  and  obeyed,  so  that  the  power 
of  Satan  may  become  less  and  less  in  every  heart,  and 
that  the  power  of  Christ  may  become  greater,  and  even 
supreme.  (2.)  That  all  men  may  yield  themselves  to 
Christ  as  their  rightful  sovereign  and  Saviour.  (3.)  That 
the  full  effects  of  the  religion  of  Christ  as  experienced  in 
heaven  are  worthy  of  my  earnest  desire  and  prayer. 

What  Illustrations  can  you  give  ? 

1.  REV.  DR.  GRIFFIN. — In  his  diary  he  says :  "  The  three 
strongest  desires  which  have  habitually  influenced  me 
for  years  are :  (1.)  To  be  delivered  from  sin.  If  this 


THE   SECOND    PETITION.  249 

could  be,  I  could  bear  anything,  and  be  happy  in  poverty 
and  disgrace.  (2.). To  enjoy  God.  I  think  I  surely  long 
more  for  this  than  riches  or  honors,  and  would  give  up 
everything  for  it.  (3.)  That  God's  kingdom  may  come. 
When  I  hear  of  any  appearance  favorable  to  Zion,  my 
heart  is  glad." 

2.  Rev.  DR.  CHARLES  HALL. — He  had  devoted  his  chil- 
dren to  God.     He  most  earnestly  desired  to  see  them  all 
not  only  Christians,  but  eminently  useful  Christians.     In 
a  letter  to  one  of  his  sons,  after  a  vivid  sketch  of  the 
peculiarities  of  the  age,  this    passage  follows :— "  You 
will  soon  come,  if  your  life  is  spared,  upon  the  stage, 
right  in  the  forenoon  of  a  day  of  action,  such  as  the  world 
never  saw.     I  would  fain  impress  you  with  the  idea,  that 
you  are  to  live  in  an  uncommon  era  ;  and  that  yOu  owe  it 
to  your  own  character,  to  God,  and  to  the  interests  of 
human  nature,  to  be  more,  and  do  more,  than  if  you  had 
lived  at  another  time. — [Dr.  Smith's  Discourses.] 

3.  JONATHAN  EDWARDS. — In    his   account  of  his  views 
and  feelings  soon  after  he  received  the  hope  of  salvation, 
President  Edwards  says  :    "  My  heart  was  knit  in  affec- 
tion to  those  in  whom  were  appearances  of  piety,  and  I 
could  bear  the  thoughts  of  no  other  company,  but  such 
as  were  holy,  and  disciples  of  the  blessed  Jesus.     I  had  a 
great  longing  for  the  advancement  of  Christ's  kingdom 
in  the  world.     My  secret  prayer  used  to  be  in  great  part 
taken  up  in  praying  for  it.     If  I  heard  the  least  hint  of 
anything  that  happened  in  any  part  of  the  world,  that 
appeared  to  me  in  some  respect  or  other,  to  have  a  favor- 
able aspect  on  the  interest  of  Christ's  kingdom,  my  soul 
eagerly  catched  at  it,  and  it  would  much  animate  and  re- 
fresh me.     I  used  to  be  earnest  to  read  public  news  letters, 
mainly  for  that  end ;  to  see  if  I  could  find  some  news 
favorable  to  the  interest  of  religion  in  the  world."     He 
regarded  (says  the  Puritan)  the  history  of  the  world  as 


250  THE    THIRD    PETITION. 

the  history  of  redemption.  Every  event  furnished  him 
with  an  occasion  of  thanksgiving  or  of  prayer.  —  The 
same  was  true  of  the  apostolic  ELLIOT.  When  incidents 
had  been  related  in  his  hearing,  and  had  formed  the  sub- 
ject of  conversation,  he  used  to  say,  "  Now  let  us  turn  all 
this  into  prayer." 

4.  A  TOO  COMMON  INCONSISTENCY.  —  If  persons  who  have 
money  to  spare  for  a  thousand  superfluities,  or  even  for 
a  thousand  mischievous  indulgences,  do  almost  nothing 
for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  others,  what  a  condemning 
contrast  do  they  exhibit  between  their  prayers  and  their 
conduct  !  Either  let  men  live  to  promote  the  kingdom  of 
God,  or  cease  to  pray  that  it  may  come.  If  they  will  live  so 
as  to  promote  the  world's  sensuality,  scepticism,  and  un- 
godliness, then  let  them  never  more  utter  the  petitions 
which  they  do  not  mean  ;  and  if  they  will  not  labor  for 
the  world's  conversion,  let  them  not  pretend  to  pray  for 


Of  the  Third  Petition. 

Q.  103.  WHAT  DO  WE  PRAY  FOR  IN  THE  THIRD  PETITION? 

In  the  third  petition,  which  is,  "  Thy  will  be 
done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven  ;"  we  pray,  That 
God  by  his  grace,  would  make  us  able  and  willing 
to  know,  obey,  and  submit  to  his  will  in  all  things, 
as  the  angels  do  in  heaven. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  are  of  ourselves  unable  to  know  or  to  do  the  will  of 
God.  —  1  Cor.  li.  14.  The  natural  man  receiveth  not  the 
things  of  the  Spirit  of  God  :  for  they  are  foolishness  unto 
him  :  neither  can  he  know  them,  because  they  are  spirit- 
ually discerned. 


THE   THIRD   PETITION.  251 

2.  God  only  can  make  us  able  and  willing  to  obey  and  sub- 
mit to  his  will. — Phil.  ii.  13.     It  is  God  which  worketh  in 
you  both  to  will 'and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure. 

3.  We  ought  to  pray  that  the  will  of  God  may  be  known 
and  obeyed  over  all  the  earth. — Psal.  Ixvii.  2.      That  thy 
way  may  be  known  upon  earth,  thy  saving  health  among 
all  nations. 

4.  We  ought  to  pray  that  God  would  make  us  able  and  wil- 
ling to  know  his  will. — Eph.  i.  18.     The  eyes  of  your  under- 
standing being  enlightened;  that  ye  may  know  what  is 
the  hope  of  his  calling,  and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory 
of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints. 

5.  We  ought  to  pray  that  God  would  make  us  able  and  wil- 
ling to  obey  his  will. — Psal.  cxix.  35.     Make  me  to  go  in 
the  path  of  thy  commandments ;  for  therein  do  I  delight. 

6.  We  ought  to  pray  that  God  would  make  us  able  and  wil- 
ling to  submit  to  his  will. — Acts,  xxi.  14.     The  will  of  the 
Lord  be  done. 

7.  We  ought  to  obey  the  will  of  God  in  all  things. — Psal. 
cxix.  5,  6.     O  that  my  ways  were  directed  to  keep  thy 
statutes !  then  shall  I  not  be  ashamed  when  I  have  respect 
unto  all  thy  commandments. 

8.  We  ought  to  submit  to  the  will  of  God  in  all  things. — 1 
Sam.  iii.  18.     It  is  the  Lord,  let  him  do  what  seemeth 
him  good. 

9.  We  ought  humbly  to  obey  and  submit  to  the  will  of  God 
as  the  angels  do  in  heaven. — Job,  i.  21.     The  Lord  gave,  and 
the  Lord  hath  taken  away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord. 

10.  We  ought  cheerfully  to  obey  and  submit  to  the  will  of 
God-. — Psal.  c.  2.     Serve  the  Lord  with  gladness:  come 
before  his  presence  with  singing. 

11.  We  ought  diligently  to  obey  the  will  of  God. — Psal. 
cxix.  37.     Quicken  thou  me  in  thy  way. 

12.  We  ought  constantly  to  obey  and  submit  to  the  will  of 
God. — Psal.  cxix.  112.     I  have  inclined  my  heart  to  per- 
form thy  statutes  always,  even  unto  the  end. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  it  is  my  duty  to  study  the  Scriptures 
that  I  may  obtain  a  better  knowledge  of  what  God  de- 


252  THE    THIRD    PETITION. 

sires  me  to  do,  and  to  be.  (2.)  To  submit  to  the  calami- 
ties and  privations  that  are  divinely  appointed  to  me, 
with  a  cheerful  patience,  that  shall  prompt  me  to  say,  as 
Christ  said,  "  Not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt."  (3.)  To 
labor  to  send  the  Gospel  to  all  men,  and  to  pray  for  its 
success,  that  all  men  may  be  in  a  condition  to  be  prepared 
to  act  in  proper  obedience  to  the  will  of  God.  (4.)  There 
is  deplorable  need  for  putting  up,  daily  and  earnestly, 
this  third  petition  of  the  Lord's  prayer,  for  almost  uni- 
versally men  are  seen  doing  their  own  will  in  opposition 
to  the  will  of  their  heavenly  Father. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 

1  How  TO  DO  GOD'S  WILL. — A  Sabbath-school  teacher, 
instructing  his*  class  in  this  portion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer, 
said  to  them :  "  You  have  told  me,  my  dear  children, 
what  is  to  be  done — the  will  of  God  ;  and  where  it  is  to  be 
done— on  earth ;  and  how  it  is  to  be  done — as  it  is  done 
in  heaven.  How  do  you  think  the  angels  and  happy 
spirits  do  the  will  of  God  in  heaven,  as  they  are  to  be 
our  pattern  ?"  The  first  child  replied :  "  They  do  it  im- 
mediately ;"  the  second,  "  They  do  it  diligently  ;"  the  third, 
"  They  do  it  always ;"  the  fourth,  "  They  do  it  with  all 
their  hearts  ;"  the  fifth,  "They  do  it  altogether."  Here  a 
pause'ensued,  and  no  child  appeared  to  have  an  answer; 
but,  after  some  time,  a  little  girl  arose  and  said,  "  Why, 
sir,  they  do  it  without  asking  any  questions" 

2.  SUBMISSION  TO  CIRCUMSTANCES. — Dr.  Johnson  used  to 
gay  that  a  habit  of  looking  on  the  best  side  of  every 
event  is  better  than  a  thousand  a  year.     Bishop  Hall 
quaintly  remarks:    "For  every  bad    there  might  be  a 
worse  ;  and  when  a  man  breaks  his  leg,  let  him  be  thank- 
ful it  was  not  his  neck." 

3.  As  the  late  Rev.  DR.  CHARLES  HALL  was  near  the 
end  of  life,  a  friend  asked  him :  "Do  you  really  feel  that 


THE    THIRD    PETITION.  253 

your  heavenly  Father  is  about  to  call  you  to  rest  from 
your  labors  ?"  "  I  do  not  know,"  he  answered,  "  for  sub- 
stance, how  that  may  be ;  nor  do  I  feel  solicitous  to  know. 
I  leave  all  that,  with  all  my  interests,  however  great  or 
dear,  to  the  disposal  of  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness." 
The  last  Sabbath  but  one  before  his  death,  his  daughter 
read  to  him  the  lines  : 

"  My  times  are  in  thy  hand  ; 

My  God  I  wish  them  there : 
My  life,  my  friends,  my  soul  I  leave, 
Entirely  in  thy  care." 

Having  given  the  closest  attention  to  the  end,  he  then 
remarked,  with  emphasis :  "  I  think  I  can  say  that." 

4.  THE  WIDOW'S  GRIEF. — JEbenezer  Adams,  an  eminent 
member  of  'the  Society  of  Friends,  on  visiting  a  lady  of 
rank,  whom  he  found,  six  months  after  the  death  of  her 
husband,  on  a  sofa  covered  with  black  cloth,  and  in  all 
the  dignity  of  woe,  approached  her  with  great  solemnity, 
and  gently  taking  her  by  the  hand,  thus  addressed  her : 
"So,  friend,  I  see  then,  thou  hast  not  yet  forgiven  God 
Almighty."     This  reproof  had  so  great  an  effect  upon  the 
lady,  that  she  immediately  laid  aside  her  violent  grief, 
and  again  entered  on  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  life. 

5.  THE  DYING  BOY. — The  son  of  a  Baptist  minister,  in 
Massachusetts,  aged  five  and  a  half  years,  being  asked, 
when  near  his  death,  whether  he  chose  to  live  with  his 
parents  and  friends  here,  or  die  and  be  with  Jesus  in 
heaven,  cheerfully  answered:  "I  would  rather  die,  and 
be  with  Jesus  in  heaven,  and  WAIT  THERE  TILL  YOU  COME." 

6.  DR.  DODDRIDGE,  being  found  in  tears,  when  just  about 
to  embark  for  Lisbon,  in  pursuit  of  health,  remarked  :  "I 
am  weeping,  but  my  tears  are  those  of  joy.     I  can  give 
up  my  country,  my  relations,  my  friends,  into  the  hands 
of  God ;  and  as  to  myself,  I  can  as  well  go  to  HEAVEN 
from  Lisbon,  as  from  my  own  study  at  Northampton." 

22 


254  THE    FOURTH    PETITION. 

7.  The  Rev.  JOHN  NEWTON,  in  his  seventy-fifth  year, 
thus  writes  to  Rev.  Samuel  Pierce:  "I  am  waiting  for 
my  dismission.     I  desire  to  leave  the  how,  and  the  when, 
and  the  where,  to  him  who  does  all  things  well.      My 
prayer  is,  that  while  I  live'l  may  live  to  Him;  that  when 
the  summons  shall  arrive,  I  may  be  found  ready ;  and 
that  if  He  sees  fit  to  lay  me  aside,  I  may  be  preserved 
from  the  weakness  which  sometimes  clouds  old  age,  even 
of  good  men  ^  that  I  may  not  disparage  my  profession  or 
ministry,   by  impatience,  peevishness,  or  jealousy;  but 
may   retire    with    a    good   grace,   truly  thankful    that 
others  are  coming  forward  to  serve  him,  I  hope,  better, 
when  I  can  serve  Him  no  longer." 

8.  To  an  afflicted  mother,  at  the  grave  of  her  dead 
child,  it  was  said,  "  There  was  once  a  shepherd,  whose 
tender  care  was  over  his  flock  day  and  night.     One  sheep 
would  neither  hear  his  voice  nor  follow  him ;  so  he  took 
up  her  little  lamb  in  his  arms,  and  then  the  sheep  came 
after  him." 

9.  DIFFICULTY  OF  SUBMITTING  TO  PRESENT  CIRCUMSTANCES. — 
When  I  am  well,  I  think  I  could  die  contentedly :  when 
I  am  sick,  I  am  impatient  to  be  well  again. — Adam. 

Of  the  Fourth  Petition. 

Q.  104.  WHAT  DO  WE  PRAY  FOR  IN  THE  FOURTH  PETI- 
TION? 

In  the  fourth  petition,  which  is,  "  Give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread ;"  we  pray,  That  of  God's  free 
gift  we  may  receive  a  competent  portion  of  the  good 
things  of  this  life,  and  enjoy  his  blessing  with  them. 

What  Truths  arc  embraced  in  this  Answer? 
1.  Temporal  good  things  may  bo  made  a  subject  of  prayer. 


THE   FOURTH   PETITION.  255 

— Gen.  xxviii.  20.  If  God  will  be  with  me,  and  will  keep 
me  in  this  way  that  I  go,  and  will  give  me  bread  to  eat, 
and  raiment  to  put  on. 

2.  Every  good  thing  we  enjoy  is  undeserved  by  us,  and  is  a 
free  gift  from  God. — Gen.  xxxii.  10.     I  am  not  worthy  of 
the  least  of  all  the  mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth,  which 
thou  hast  showed  unto  thy  servant. 

3.  We  are  to  seek  only  what  may  be  necessary  for  the  pre- 
sent day  and  not  be  over,  anxious  for  the  future. — Mat.  vi. 
34.     Take   therefore   no    thought   for   [or,   be   not  over 
anxious  about,]  the  morrow:  for  the  morrow  shall  take 
thought  for  the  things  of  itself.     Sufficient  unto  the  day 
is  the  evil  thereof. 

4.  We  are  to  ask  for  such  a  portion  of  the  good  things  of 
life  as  God,  in  his  wisdom,   sees  to  be  best  for  us. — Prov. 
xxx.  8.     Feed  me  with  food  convenient  for  me. 

5.  We  are  to  seek  God's  blessing  on  what  we  receive,  which 
alone  makes  temporal  good  things  valuable. — Prov.  x.  22. 
The  blessing  of  the  Lord,  it  maketh  rich,  and  he  addeth 
no  sorrow  with  it. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 
I  learn  (1.)  That  God  is  mindful  of  my  wants  in  this 
life,  as  well  as  those  of  the  life  to  come.  (2.)  That  for 
present  mercies  of  each  day  I  owe  him  my  thanks.  (3.) 
That  I  should  look  to  God  for  the  needful  supplies  of 
each  day  and  hour. 

"  This  day  be  bread  and  peace  my  lot ; 

All  else  beneath  the  sun, 
Thou  knowa't  if  best  bestowed  or  not, 
And  let  thy  will  be  done." 

What  Illustration  can  you  relate  ? 

THE  SCANTY  MEAL. — A  traveller,  overtaken  in  a  storm, 
sought  shelter  in  a  dilapidated  and  lonely  dwelling.  Be- 
fore entering,  however,  he  looked  through  the  gaping 
crevices,  and  saw  a  woman  seated  at  a  table,  on  which 
was  placed  a  coarse  and  scanty  meal.  Her  hands  and 
eyes  were  uplifted.  Her  lips  moved  ;  and,  as  he  listened, 
he  heard  her  say,  "  ALL  THIS,  AND  HEAVEN  TOO  ?" 


256  THE    FIFTH    PETITION. 

2.  HEPDOMADAL  DEVOTIONS. — Some  never  unite  in  any 
form  of  social  prayer  but  on  the  Sabbath.      To  suit  their 
hebdomadal  devotions  this  (fourth)  petition  should  have 
run :  "  Give  us  this  week  our  weekly  bread."    But  as  it 
now  is,  we  have  the  supplies  of  the  other  six  days  un- 
asked for.     We  acknowledge  our  dependence  on  God  for 
only  a  seventh  portion  of  our  time. — Dr.  Nevins. 

3.  ASKING  BLESSINGS  UPON  FOOD.— "I  was  on  one  oc 
casion,"  says  George  Pritchard,  "  dining  on  board  an  Eng- 
lish ship  of  war,  with  Queen  Pomare,  other  members  of 
the  royal  family,  and  several  chiefs.     A  large  table  was 
prepared  on  the  quarter-deck.      All   being   seated,  the 
plates  were  soon  abundantly  supplied,  but  not  one  of  the 
natives  attempted  to  eat.     The  captain  was  greatly  sur- 
prised at  this,  and  said  to  me :  "  Mr.  Pritchard,  I  fear  we 
have  not  provided  such  food  as  the  natives  like :  I  don't 
see  one  of  them  begin  to  eat."     I  replied :  "  You  could 
not  have  provided  anything  that  the  natives  would  like 
better ;  the  reason  why  they  do  not  commence  eating,  is 
simply  this :  they  are  accustomed  always  to  ask  a  bless- 
ing."   Before  I  could  say  anything  more,  the  captain, 
evidently  feeling  a  little  confounded,  said :  "  I  beg  your 
pardon,  Mr.  Pritchard ;    please  to  say  grace."    I  immedi- 
ately "  said  grace,"  when  the  natives  soon  gave  proof 
that  they  liked  the  food  which  had  been  provided.     One 
of  the  officers  from  the  end  of  the  table  looked  at  the 
captain  very  significantly,   and  said :  "  We  have  got  it 
to-day !"  and  then  addressing  himself  to  me,  said :  "  Mr. 
Pritchard,  you  see  what  a  graceless  set  we  are."    All  the 
gentlemen  seemed  to  feel  the  rebuke  thus  unintentionally 
given. — The  Missior  (try's  Record. 

Of  the  Fifth  Petition. 

Q.  105.   WHAT  DO  WE  PRAY  FOR  IN  THE  FIFTH  PETITION  ? 
In  the  fifth  petition,  which  is,  "  And  forgive  us 


THE    FIFTH    PETITION.  257 

our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors ;"  we  pray, 
That  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  would  freely  pardon 
all  our  sins  ;  which  we  are  the  rather  encouraged 
to  ask,  because  by  his  grace  we  are  enabled  from 
the  heart  to  forgive  others. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer? 

1.  We  should  pray  for  the  pardon  of  sin. — Hos.  xiv.  2. 
"Take  away  all  iniquity,  and  receive  us  graciously. — 
See  also  Ps.  li.  1. 

2.  Pardon  of  sin   is  to  be   expected  only  through  Jesus 
Christ. — Eph.  i.  7.     "In  whom    we    have    redemption 
through  his  Word,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to 
the  riches  of  his  grace." 

3.  We  must  forgive  others. — Col.  iii.  13.     "Forbearing 
one  another,  and  forgiving  one  another." 

4.  God  alone  can  enable  us,  from  the  heart,  to  forgive 
other*. — Gal.  v.  22,  23.     "  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love, 
joy,  peace,    long-suffering,    gentleness,  goodness,    faith, 
meekness,  temperance  ;  against  such  there  is  no  law." 

5.  Our  being  enabled  to  forgive  others,  encourages  us  to 
ask  forgiveness  for  ourselves. — Luke,  xi.  4.      "  Forgive  us 
our  sins ;  for  we  also  forgive  every  one  that  is  indebted 
to  us." 

6.  Unless  we  forgive  others,  we  ourselves  shall  not  be  for- 
given.— Mat.  xviii.  35.     "  So  likewise  shall  my  heavenly 
Father  do  also  unto  you,  if  ye  from  your  hearts  forgive 
not  every  one  his  brother  their  trespasses." — See  also  Mai. 
vi.  14,  15. 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  ill-will,  a  spirit  of  revenge,  or  even  a 
want  of  kind  regard,  towards  any  of  my  fellow-men  who 
may  have  wronged  me,  will  justly  stand  in  the  way  of 
my  receiving  pardon  and  love  from  my  heavenly  Father, 
and  will  shut  me  out  of  heaven.  (2.)  Not  only  the  danger 
but  the  moral  evil  of  an  unkind  and  unforgiving  disposi- 
22* 


258  THE    FIFTH    PETITION. 

tion,  which  renders  one  so  unlike  God.  (3.)  My  constant 
need  of  divine  help,  to  keep  my  mind  and  heart  in  this 
undisturbed,  meek,  loving  frame  towards  all  with  whom 
I  have  to  do.  (4.)  That  if  I  am  not  inclined  to  foigive 
others,  I  ought  to  be  ashamed  to  ask  God  to  forgive  my 
greater  sins  against  him.  (5.)  I  should  never  cease  to 
thank  the  Redeemer,  that  he,  by  offering  himself  to  die 
in  our  stead,  made  full  satisfaction  to  the  justice  of  God 
for  my  sins ;  yet,  so  far  as  I  am  concerned,  pardon  is  a 
matter  of  grace.  I  have  done  and  suffered  nothing,  to 
entitle  me  to  claim  the  remission  of  punishment  as  a 
right. 

"  Consider  this,— 

That  in  the  course  of  justice,  none  of  us 
Should  see  salvation :  we  do  pray  for  mercy ; 
And. that  same  prayer  doth  teach  us  all  to  render 
The  deeds  of  mercy." 
"  How  shalt  thou  hope  for  mercy,  rend'ring  none  ?" 

— SHAKSPKARE. 


What  Illustrations  are  offered? 

1.  THE  LITTLE  BLIND  BOY. — A  little  blind  boy  was  asked 
what  forgiveness  is.     His  beautiful  reply  was  :  "  It  is  the 
odor  that  flowers  breathe  when  trampled  upon." 

2.  "WHO   ARE  THE  MEEK?"  was  a  question  put  by  a 
missionary  in  Jamaica,  when  questioning  some  little  black 
boys  on  Mat.  v.     One  of  them  very  pertinently  answered : 
"  Those  who  give  soft  answers  to  rough  questions." 

3.  Rev.   CHARLES  SIMEON,  says :  "  To  pass  by  a  trans- 
gression  is  more  becoming  the  Gospel  than  to  resent  it." 
"  A  man  strikes  me  with  his  sword,  and  inflicts  a  wound. 
Suppose,  instead  of  binding  up  the  wound,  I  am  showing 
it  to  everybody ;  and  after  it  has  been  bound  up,  I  am 
taking  off  the  bandage  continually,  and  examining  the 
depth  of  the  wound,  and  making  it  to  fester,  till  my  limb 


THE  SIXTH  PETITION.  259 

becomes  greatly  inflamed,  and  my  general  health  is  ma- 
terially affected;  is  there  a  person  in  the  world  who 
would  not  call  me  a  fool  ?  Now,  such  a  fool  is  he  also, 
who  by  dwelling  upon  little  injuries,  or  insults,  or  provoca- 
tions, causes  them  to  agitate  and  influence  his  mind. 
How  much  better  were  it  to  put  a  bandage  over  the 
wound,  and  never  look  at  it  again  ?" 

4.  GENERAL  OGLETHORPE  AND  JOHN  WESLEY. — In  the  course 
of  a  voyage  to  America,  Mr.  Wesley  heard  Gen.  Ogle- 
thorpe,  with  whom  he  sailed,  making  a  great  noise  in  the 
cabin,  upon  which  he  stepped  in  to  know  the  cause.  The 
General  immediately  addressed  him,  saying:  "Mr.  Wes- 
ley, you  must  excuse  me,  I  have  met  with  a  provocation 
too  great  for  man  to  bear.  You  know  the  only  wine  I 
drink  is  Cyprus  wine,  as  it  agrees  with  me  best  of  any ; 
I  therefore  provided  myself  with  several  dozens  of  it,  and 
this  villain  (the  servant,  who  was  present,  almost  dead 
with  fear)  has  drank  up  the  whole  of  it.  But  I  will  be 
revenged  on  him.  I  have  ordered  him  to  be  tied  hand 
and  foot,  and  to  be  carried  to  the  man-of-war  which  sails 
with  us.  The  rascal  should  have  taken  care  how  he  used 
me  so,  for  I  never  forgive."  "Then,  sir,"  said  Mr. 
Wesley,  looking  calmly  at  him,  "  I  hope  you  never  sin." 
The  General,  confounded  at  the  reproof,  threw  his  keys 
to  the  servant,  and  bade  him  do  better  in  future.  Here, 
then,  is  the  point.  If  we  would  never  forgive,  we  must 
never  sin.  The  very  proneness  to  sin  which  we  find  in 
ourselves,  should  be  a  most  powerful  incentive  to  the 
cultivation  of  a  spirit  of  forgiveness. — Rel.  Herald. 

Of  the  Sixth  Petition. 
Q.  106.  WHAT  DO  WE  PEAT  FOR  IN  THE  SIXTH  PETITION? 

In  the  sixth  petition,  which  is,  "  And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil,"  we  pray 


260  THE    SIXTH   PETITION. 

that  God  would  either  keep  us  from  being  tempted 
to  sin,  or  support  and  deliver  us  when  we  are 
tempted. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer  ? 

1.  We  should  pray  that  Cfod,  if  consistent  with  his  will, 
would  keep  us  from  being  tempted  into  sin. — Mat.  xxvi.  41. 
"  Watch  and  pray  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation." — 
See  also  2  Chron.  xxxii.  31. 

2.  We  should  pray  for  support  under  temptation. — Psal. 
cxix.  133.     "Let  not  any  iniquity  have  dominion  over 
me." 

3.  We  should  pray  for  deliverance  from  temptation. — 2 
Cor.  xii.  8.     "  For  this  thing  I  besought  the  Lord  thrice 
that  it  might  depart  from  me." 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines  ? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  I  am  constantly  exposed  to  sin  as  well 
as  to  suffering,  and  that  on  God  alone  I  must  rely  for 
grace  to  feel  and  act  right.  (2.)  That  it  is  a  wicked  and 
a  dangerous  thing,  for  any,  after  uttering  this  prayer,  to 
put  themselves,  unless  duty  calls,  in  a  situation  where 
they  know  they  will  be  strongly  tempted  or  inclined  to 
violate  God's  commands.  (3.)  To  withstand  temptation, 
I  must  impress  my  heart  with  a  sense  of  God's  presence 
and  holiness;  with  my  obligation  to  obey  him  in  all 
things,  and  even  by  the  greatest  effort ;  with  the  evil 
nature  of  sin,  and  the  misery  consequent  upon  indulging 
in  it ;  and  with  the  fact  that  Christ  died  to  induce  me  to 
abandon  all  sin,  and  to  save  me  from  the  power  of  temp- 
tation and  from  the  malicious  arts  of  the  Temj  ter. 

What  Illustrations  are  given  ? 
1.  "  Go  to  dark  Gethsemane, 

Ye  that  feel  the  Tempter's  power, 
Your  Redeemer's  conflict  see, 

Watch  with  him  one  little  hour ; 
Turn  not  from  his  griefs  away, 
Learn  of  Jesus  Christ  to  pray." 


THE  CONCLUSION  OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.   261 

2.  The  Rev.  CHARLES  HALL,  while  in  Stratford-upon  Avon, 
writes :  "  The  great  enemy  has  this  day  sorely  buffeted 
me,  so  that  my  joy  has  been  turned  unto  mourning.  I 
go  to  my  bed  looking  to  Jesus,  or  towards  him,  for  Oh,  I 
do  not  perceive  his  smiling  face.  *  Return,  0  holy  Dove 
return/  " 

Of  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer. 
Q.  107.  WHAT  is  THE  CONCLUSION  OF  THE  LORD'S  PRATER? 

The  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  which  is, 
"For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  for  ever,  Amen,"  teacheth  us  to  take  an 
encouragement  in  prayer  from  God  only  ;  and  in 
our  prayers  to  praise  him,  ascribing  kingdom, 
power,  and  glory  to  him ;  and  in  testimony  of  our 
desire  and  assurance  to  be  heard,  we  say,  Amen. 

What  Truths  are  embraced  in  this  Answer? 

1.  We  should  take  our  encouragement  in  prayer  from  God 
only. — Dan.  ix.  18.     ""We  do  not  present  our  supplica- 
tions before  thee  for  our  righteousness,  but  for  thy  great 
mercies." 

2.  In  our  prayers  we  should  join,  thanksgiving  and  praise. 
— 1  Chron.  xxix.  10.     "  David  blessed  the  Lord  before  all 
the  congregation  ;  and  David  said,  Blessed  be  thou,  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  our  Father,  for  ever  and  ever." 

3.  In  our  prayers  we  should  ascribe  the  kingdom  or  uni- 
versal dominion  to  God. — 1  Chron.  xxix.  11.  "All  that  is  in 
the  heaven  and  the  earth  is  thine ;  thine  is  the  kingdom, 
O  Lord ;  and  thou  art  exalted  as  head  above  all." 

4.  In  our  prayers  we  should  ascribe  all  power  and  glory 
unto  God. — 1  Chron.  xxix.   11.      "Thine,  O   Lord,  is  the 
greatness,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  and  the  victory, 
and  the  majesty." 

4.  In  prayer  we  should  earnestly  desire  that  God  would 


262   THE  CONCLUSION  OP  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

hear  us. — Dan.  ix.  19.  O  Lord,  hear;  0  Lord,  forgive;  O 
Lord,  hearken  and  do ;  defer  not,  for  thine  own  sake.  O 
my  God." 

6.  We  should  pray  with  a  hope  and  an  humble  assurance 
that  God  will  hear  us. — Heb.  x.  22.  "  Let  us  draw  near 
with  a  true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of  faith." 

6.  Our  prayers  should  be  concluded  with  an  "Amen" — 
Psal.  cvi.  48.  "Let  all  the  people  say,  Amen." 

What  Lessons  do  you  derive  from  the  above  Doctrines? 

I  learn  (1.)  That  this  prayer  should  be  used  with  confi- 
dence, and  assurance  of  hope,  since  Christ,  the  infal- 
lible Teacher,  who  best  knows  what  God's  will  is,  and 
what  he  may  be  pleased  to  grant,  has  authorized  and  di- 
rected me  to  use  it.  (2.)  In  prayer  I  am  to  have  refer- 
ence to  the  glory  of  God  as  the  chief  end  to  be  attained 
by  prayer,  since  it  is  the  chief  end  for  which  God  made 
me  and  all  other  beings  and  things.  (3.)  I  should  enter- 
tain large  conceptions  of  the  power  of  God  to  confer 
upon  me  and  others  all  needed  good.  (4.)  I  should  call 
to  mind  the  great  supremacy  of  God,  his  exalted  rank  as 
the  King  of  kings,  that  I  may  promptly  yield  him  the 
deepest  reverence,  and  most  largely  desire  that  worship 
and  obedience  may  be  rendered  to  Him  by  all  his  crea- 
tures. 

What  Illustration  follows  ? 

THE  JANEWAY  FAMILY,  of  England,  is  remarkable  in  the 
annals  of  piety,  for  the  fervor  of  their  devotion  and  the 
joyful  and  even  exulting  state  of  mind  in  which  they 
passed  from  the  scenes  of  time  into  eternity.  As  illus- 
trative of  the  subject  in  hand,  the  following  expressions 
of  feeling  are  taken  from  the  record  of  their  last  hours  : 
The  Rev.  WILLIAM  JANEWAY  (jthe  father)  said  to  his  son : 
"  My  heart  is  full ;  I  can  hold  no  more.  I  know  now 
what  that  sentence  means,  'The  peace  of  God  which 


passeth  understanding.*  I  cannot  express  what  glorious 
discoveries  God  hath  made  of  himself  to  me.  Oh,  help 
me  to  bless  the  Lord  1" 

His  second  son,  the  Rev.  JOHN  JANEWAY,  observed: 
"Death  has  lost  its  terribleness — it  is  nothing.  I  say, 
death  is  nothing,  through  grace,  to  me.  I  can  as  easily 
die  as  shut  my  eyes,  or  turn  my  head  and  sleep: 
I  long  to  be  with  Christ;  I  long  to  die."  When 
Christians  came  to  see  him,  he  would  beg  of  them  to 
spend  all  the  time  with  him  in  praise.  "  0  help  me 
to  praise  God!  I  have  now  nothing  else  to  do,  from  this 
time  to  eternity,  but  to  praise  and  love  God.  I  have 
what  my  soul  desires  upon  earth.  I  want  but  one  thing, 
and  that  is,  a  speedy  lift  to  heaven.  0  praise,  praise,  praise 
that  infinite  boundless  love,  that  hath,  to  a  wonder,  looked 
upon  my  soul,  and  has  done  more  for  me  than  thousands 
of  his  dear  children.  Come,  help  me  with  praises,  all 
that's  little ;  come  help  me,  0  ye  glorious  and  mighty 
angels,  who  are  so  well  skilled  in  this  heavenly  work  of 
praise!  Praise  him,  all  ye  creatures  upon  the  earth! 
Praise  is  now  my  work,  and  I  shall  be  engaged  in  that 
sweet  employment  for  ever.  Let  us  s.  ag  a  psalm  of  praise. 
Come  let  us  lift  up  our  voice  in  the  praise  of  the  Most 
High :  I  with  you  as  long  as  my  breath  doth  last,  and 
when  I  have  none,  I  shall  do  it  better."  A  little  before 
he  died,  in  the  prayer,  or  rather  in  the  praises,  he  was 
so  wrapt  up  with  admiration  and  joy,  that  he  could  scarce 
forbear  shouting  for  joy.  In  the  conclusion  of  the  duty, 
with  abundance  of  faith  and  fervency,  he  said  aloud, 
"Amen!  Amen!" 

The  Rev.  JAMES  JANEWAY  (the  third  son),  just  before 
he  died,  was  also  in  a  remarkably  happy  and  devout 
frame  of  mind.  Though  very  weak  in  body,  he  broke 
forth  with  a  loud  voice,  "  Amen  !  Hallelujah  1"  and  de- 
sired others  to  join  with  him ;  but  as  they  did  not  im- 


264   THE  CONCLUSION  OF  THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

mediately  do  it,  he  added,  "  James  Janeway  is  the  only 
singer."  Soon  he  was  transported  with  joy  again,  and 
thus  gave  expression  to  it :  "  Millions  of  praises  to  the 
Most  High  Jehovah !  Heaven  and  earth  praise  him  f  Ye 
mountains  and  hills  praise  him!  All  ye  saints  bless 
Him,  who  hath  visited  us  in  our  low  estate,  and  redeemed 
us,  by  grace,  unto  himself  1" 


THE  CNB, 


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